of the Mary Gordon Ball Field. Photo Credit Jane Ahrens
Field Rededication: Mary Gordon Ball Field
New Scoreboard: In Memory of Ryan Rod
Monday, July 28
Whether arriving by ferry to Silver Eel Cove or anchoring in West Harbor, chances are your first moments on Fishers Island will lead you to one of Island People’s Project’s (IPP) most cherished natural spaces—quiet, open, and deeply loved by the FI community.
These spaces dot the West End. Since 1978, IPP has proudly maintained Dock Beach, and thanks to a generous gift from the Fishers Island Utility Company, also owns an adjacent parcel of land. In 1981, IPP purchased the ballfield from Harry Ferguson and Martha Ferguson Buller with funds generously donated to IPP by Albert Gordon in memory of his wife Mary Gordon. And, since 2021, the Fishers Island School has graciously lent to IPP “The Patch”, a peaceful herb and flower garden behind the school.
This winter, IPP focused on much-needed renovations to the Mary Gordon Ball Field. Spearheaded by board members Mere Harr and Kate Shillo Beardsley, the project included a new surface for the infield, new fencing, and a backstop. With the help of Donnie Beck, Dave McCall and the Ferry District, Jimmy Ski, Race Rock Landscaping, and Arrow Fencing, the upgrades were completed just in time for summer.
The field is buzzing with activity all season long:
- Softball games with the Island league
- Croquet with Tom McCance, Saturdays at 10 AM
- Boot camps with Stacia, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7 AM, Sundays at 7:30 AM
- Plus: everyday regular play, soccer clinics, pickup games, and the return of Man Camp
We would like to thank our many donors who made this all possible. Come play, cheer, and help us celebrate a space where Island memories are made.
IPP Board
Elisabeth Parker, President
Meg Atkin, Kate Shillo Beardsley, Lizzie Boswell, Liese Fritze Brown, Martha Burnham, Margot Congdon, Annie Douthit, Mere Doyen, Jeanine Behr Getz, Maggie Grimes, Nancy Hayes, Phoebe Hunt, and Alex Pollack
