Google gives $500K for youth programming at Field of Dreams

DYERSVILLE, Iowa — An area nonprofit has received a $500,000 grant to support all seasons programming at the iconic Field of Dreams movie site.

The funding comes from Google and will go toward educational youth programming at the Dyersville site, according to a news release from Dyersville Events, which owns and operates the movie site.

“The Field of Dreams belongs to Iowa,” Dyersville Events Board Chair Nathan Runde said in the release. “As we intentionally expand offerings at the site, we want every kid in the state to know that a piece of this ballpark and movie site belongs to them.”

Dyersville Events purchased the 297-acre movie site in September, and its leaders have touted the intent to focus on preserving and enhancing the site.

Already, the Field of Dreams hosts over 500 youth baseball teams each summer for youth tournaments. The release states the nonprofit intends to expand on those offerings to include additional skills and training camps, as well as mentoring opportunities and teamwork coaching.

The grant from Google will be used to increase the accessibility of those programs by supporting families who typically would not have access to the camps or tournaments, the release states.

“The Field of Dreams is an iconic and magical place that is distinctly Iowa,” Google’s Regional Head of External Affairs and Public Policy Dan Harbeke said in the release. “We’re proud to help more young Iowans get the opportunity to participate in innovative programs at the site, be inspired to dream big dreams and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

A fully story on the grant and Dyersville Events’ plans for the movie site will appear in Friday’s Telegraph Herald.