Firemen’s Field

Firemen’s Field has been a cherished part of the Liberty Township community since its humble beginnings in the 1970s. Tucked behind the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department (LTVFD) station, the field wasn’t built by contractors or corporations—it was built by the firemen themselves.

With hard work and community spirit, the firemen constructed the original field, installing bleachers, a concession stand, fencing, and field lighting. It wasn’t just a ballfield; it was a gathering place. A place where the firemen and their families could come together. Their children played on that field, friendships were built, and games were held under the lights on warm summer nights. It became a hub of activity and pride for the volunteers who served and protected the township.

Originally, Firemen’s Field carried the colors of the Liberty schools—light blue and gold, reflecting the spirit of the Liberty Lions. Even parts of the fire station’s interior were painted in those same Liberty school colors. Over time, however, those light blue tones faded. As the paint was refreshed and the field was updated, the color scheme slowly changed and, with it, a bit of the original identity softened.

Some of that change was inevitable. As the local school districts were consolidated into what is now the Duneland School Corporation, the Liberty Lions mascot was retired, and the township’s independent school identity was blended into a larger system. Yet, the field remained—a quiet but enduring reminder of what once was.

Eventually, the stewardship of the field shifted from the fire department to the Liberty Rec Organization, a local group dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for the community. For years, Liberty Rec kept the spirit alive, hosting seasons of baseball and softball, community gatherings, and family events.

In the Fall of 2024, Liberty Rec hosted the “Hey Batta Batta Bash,” what was originally thought to be the final game ever played at Firemen’s Field. However, the Spring 2025 season would ultimately become the true final chapter of play, as young athletes took the field one last time—just as generations had before them.

Then, on June 25, 2025, Firemen’s Field was officially honored with a heartfelt farewell. Liberty Rec hosted a final sendoff—a nostalgic movie night under the stars, bringing families, former players, and longtime residents together one last time. It was more than just a goodbye; it was a celebration of decades of community, teamwork, laughter, and legacy.

Now, the land that once echoed with cheers and the crack of bats begins a new chapter. Firemen’s Field is being torn down to make way for the construction of a new Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department station—a full-circle return to its roots in service. Though the field itself will be gone, its spirit lives on in the continued commitment to protect, serve, and bring the community together—just as it always has.