Memorial Field
Veterans' Memorial Field & William H. Dearden Memorial Field House, Monroe Street - In 1942, property from the former Gilbert mill yard, George H. Piper and the Ware Gas Company were donated to create this 4 acre ball field off Monroe Street, abutting the Ware River. The field house was named after William H. Dearden, late editor of the Ware River News, and member of the Special Committee which created the atheletic field. The field itself is named in honor of all the men and women of Ware who had served their country during periods of war. The park was dedicated on July 18, 1948.Today, parking is available on South Street. During spring and summer the field is home to Ware's varsity baseball team. Other leagues including Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Connie Mack and an Over-30 traveling baseball team, use the field. During fall months, youth football and soccer leagues practice and play here as well. Features include the field house, bleachers, storage shed and a lighted basketball court.
In 2012-2013, the town made improvements here using FFY2011 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The park now boasts general field improvements, a new path system, and, most noteably,state-of-the-art field lighting. A special rededication of the field was held May 23, 2014. At that time, the town rededicated the baseball diamond to the late Ware High School coach, George L. Robidoux. His son and former Boston Red Sox player, Billy Jo Robidoux was in attendace for the ceremony; and also officiated the game that followed. The Ware Indians won 2-1 over Quaboag.
DIRECTIONS TO MEMORIAL FIELD
South Street, Ware
From the west take Rte 9 east to Main Street Ware
From the south take Rte 32 north to Ware (Rte 9 east, Main St)
at second light take right at FamilyFirst Bank onto South Street, go about ¼ mi, parking lot on right, field is on other side of parking lot.
