Early this week, a golf cart careened across the freshly renovated diamond at The Caveyard at Cherokee Park, tearing up the grass, scattering firework debris and leaving clumps of dirt that rendered the field unplayable. The St. Louis Skeletons, an adult baseball team that emphasizes community over competition, now face a costly restoration project.
Mike Roth, who led the recent refurbishment, expressed his disappointment and frustration, noting that the damage "makes the entire field look like it needs to be leveled and started from scratch." The team, together with local volunteers, is already organizing clean‑up efforts while seeking municipal assistance to rebuild the infrastructure.
Community Response and Political Support
Alderwoman Jami Cox Antwi has taken notice of the incident and voiced her support for the residents who are stepping up to restore the park. She emphasized that the vandalism not only threatens a recreational space but also violates city ordinances that prohibit motorized vehicles in Cherokee Park.
Legal and Safety Concerns
Riding motorized vehicles on park grounds is illegal, and park officials have warned that such actions can result in fines and further damage to public spaces. The incident underscores a growing need for enforcement and education about park rules among visitors.
Restoration Efforts Underway
The Benton Park Neighborhood Association, listed with its official website bentonpark.org, is coordinating volunteer clean‑up crews and has begun discussions with city officials about funding for a full field rebuild. While the extent of the damage may require the field to be re‑graded and reseeded, organizers remain hopeful that the community’s momentum will secure the necessary resources.
For now, the St. Louis Skeletons and their supporters are focusing on repairing the immediate damage and keeping the spirit of the park alive. Their collective action reflects a broader commitment to preserving neighborhood spaces that foster connection, recreation, and pride.