Schmeling Construction Co. wins award for work at Home Base Sports Fields

Schmeling Construction Co. among “Best of the Best” in Illinois for donating time and talent to construct Home Base Sports Fields, a one-of-a-kind place to play for Buddy Baseball and All Stars Baseball programs.

ROCKFORD, IL – The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) held its annual awards gala and recognition program Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Wheeling Park District’s Chevy Chase Country Club.

The “Best of the Best” Awards Gala recognizes board members, citizen volunteers, businesses, government officials, and media for advancing parks, recreation, and conservation. Schmeling Construction Co. received the “Best Friend of IL Parks” award for donating their time and talent to build Home Base Sports Fields at Lindberg Park, 721 Pearl Ave., Loves Park. Home Base Sports Fields provides a permanent home for All Stars Baseball and Buddy Baseball programs, giving every athlete an equal opportunity to play, learn, compete, make friends, and feel like they belong.

For generations, the company and the Schmeling family have believed in giving back to the community. That commitment took on an even more personal meaning with the development of Home Base Sports Fields. Buddy Sports through the Rockford Park District are near and dear to Steven Schmeling, President and CEO of Schmeling Construction Co., because his daughter, Christine, volunteered for years as a buddy in the Rockford Park District’s Buddy Baseball and All Stars program. Through her involvement, the family experienced firsthand the incredible impact these programs have not only on the athletes participating, but also on the buddies, families, volunteers, and the entire community around them.

Schmeling Construction Co. played a significant role in building Home Base Sports Fields. These adaptive fields were designed with accessibility, adaptability, and inclusion at their core, providing a place where athletes feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. The first phase of Home Base Sports Fields opened over the summer and includes two accessible baseball diamonds, accessible dugouts, paved paths, accessible drinking fountains, accessible parking and drop-off areas, a pavilion with accessible and family-friendly restrooms, a multipurpose field, communication boards, and other amenities designed to remove barriers to participation.