Small town. Big tradition.

Not long after Pinehurst Elementary School was built in 1950, kids began playing in a nearby vacant lot. What started as open space soon became something more. In 1960, the local Lions Club built two baseball diamonds, complete with backstops and dugouts. The lot has been home to little league baseball ever since.

Over time, the fields have seen a few updates. Dugouts were moved above ground, backstops were replaced, new dirt and fencing were added. These changes helped keep the fields safe and playable, while their purpose stayed the same. They are still part of the school grounds, still a gathering place and still at the center of the community.

Hundreds of people visit each season and most Pinehurst kids have spent time on these fields. Families watch games and cheer from the sidelines. Since the early 1990s, a local levy has helped keep the fields open to groups at no cost. From mid-March through July, they are busy most nights with practices and games.

“If the levy ever fails, groups might have to start paying to use the fields. That would be hard on families in our community,” said Megan Bumgardner, administrative assistant at Kellogg School District.

So, when a need came up to improve safety, the Silver Valley Little League stepped in. Michele Schroder, who leads communications and fundraising for the league, reached out for help. She connected with her friend Allison Blalack, an Avista customer project coordinator, to see if Avista could help add a protective net. The goal was simple: keep more baseballs inside the field and out of nearby yards.

From there, the project came together through teamwork. The net was donated by a local family. Walker Industries dug the holes. Avista crews installed two 45-foot poles, strung the wire and helped bring the project to life.

“In a small community, people know you and feel comfortable asking for help,” said Allison. “We are Avista, but we’re also friends and former classmates.”

That connection runs deep. Allison, Michele, and Megan have been friends since middle school. Their shared history helped turn an idea into action.

Michele says the league works hard to keep the program open to all kids, no matter their skill level.

“Being part of this community is a huge blessing,” she said. “Local businesses and families help us keep the program going each year. Their support, along with strong community partnerships, makes improvements like this possible.”

Andrew Blalack, an Avista line foreman in Kellogg, helped install the net. He also has a personal connection to the field. He grew up in the area and played baseball there as a kid. “It’s a lot like I remember, but it’s in better shape now,” he said. “It feels good to work for a company that supports projects like this. The little league doesn’t have the funding or the people to do this on their own.”

For a project that started as a simple ask, the impact will last for seasons to come.

Megan is thankful for the partnership. “I’m thankful for Avista’s help. They showed up and got it done,” she said. “It makes me proud of our community. We have great partners.”

This is just one example of small communities powered by big hearts.   

Pinehurst is in Avista’s Idaho service territory and is home to about 1,300 Avista customers.