IRON MOUNTAIN -- The sound of kids playing baseball is relatively new in Iron Mountain's Northside.  Now thanks to the work of residents and local charities, the ballfield that was vacant for 15 years is once again an important part of the community.

"Every time you go by here now at night, there's kids playing; there's kids playing on the playground, the field's in use, the park is busy, it's humming,” said organizer and Northside resident Kathy Kulas.  "It's a boost for Little League, it helps them out, and they've got a lot of teams.  The girls’ softball is really picking up and it gives them a place to play.  It's just really cool."

The five-year project included moving the ballfield away from the road and adding new dugouts, bleachers, fences, and a press box.

Detroit Tigers legend John Hiller was on hand to throw out the first pitch.  He couldn't be happier to see a new ballpark for the kids.

"This here is a blessing,” said Hiller.  “When I grew up playing, we didn't have fences, I never had a mound, I played in tennis shoes and no uniform.  So for them to have a ballpark like this and everything, it just adds to the community."

Organizer Debra Constantini knows how much this field means to the area, and she hopes it's just the beginning for the Northside.

"I think it's a breath of fresh air to see a lot of sweat equity, creativity, and creative resources,” said Constantini.  “To see the results of all that activity; but we are no way complete in terms of our efforts." 

Friday night was just the beginning for the ballpark.  Eight more games are scheduled for the weekend, and Northside residents hope this becomes a staple of the community.