Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, along with the Miller family, hosted a celebration at the newly renovated Larry H. Miller Softball Complex at Big Cottonwood Regional Park on May 18.
Thanks to a generous donation of $5 million from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, renovations at the Big Cottonwood Regional Park (Millcreek) softball complex are complete and construction is underway at Valley Regional Park’s (Taylorsville) softball complex.
“Larry spent much of his life perfecting his skill as a fastpitch softball pitcher and loved playing and supporting the game for over 35 years. He was inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame in 1985. Our children grew up at the ballpark and also loved the excitement of the game,” said Gail Miller, chair of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. “We are pleased to be able to support renovations and improvements at these two softball complexes that will provide first-class venues for family activities, building friendships, exercise and top-caliber softball in our communities.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proclaimed May as Larry H. Miller Month in honor of the late Larry Miller, an avid player of fastpitch softball. “Larry’s commitment to the community and to sports is something I experienced firsthand when working with him on the Olympics. Thanks to Larry, Gail, and their family, we were able to renovate this incredible and unifying space that will provide future softball enthusiasts and their loved ones hours of fun,” said Mayor Wilson.
“As a family, it is our hope that this beautiful, updated facility will continue to serve the community for decades to come and play a role in uniting all of us,” said Greg Miller who addressed the crowd at the event.
Ty Wardle, a grandson of the Larry H. Miller family, threw out the first pitch of a men’s fastpitch exhibition game to commemorate the day. Complimentary All-star hot dogs (Larry’s favorite) were served as teams Browning vs. Page Brake took to the field. Both teams had players that previously played on Larry H. Miller teams in the past. “Both [softball] facilities have hosted numerous tournaments, league play, and the renovations will provide that same opportunity and experience for generations to come,” said Martin Jensen, Director of Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation.
About the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation was established in 2007 to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and training, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment.
