Going out to the ballgame took on new meaning at an old field when the Dallas County Commission held the grand opening Monday night for the renovated Craig Baseball Field.

The renovations, which included installing lights, were estimated to cost $40,000. Speakers at the dedication repeated the funds were not allocated from county coffers.

“It’s the community that makes this possible,” said District 1 Commissioner Connel Towns, who coordinated the work for the field.

Speakers included Probate Judge Kim Ballard, Selma Mayor George Evans, state Rep. Yusuf Salaam (D-Selma), District Attorney Michael Jackson and representatives from Craig Airport Authority, Alabama Power, Pioneer Electric, Dallas County Water and Sewer, Rayco Industrial, Stewart Construction, J&S Electric and the Dallas County Board of Education.

Dr. Fannie L. McKenzie is superintendent of the Dallas County Board of Education. She commended the groups on the “great collaborative effort.”

Salaam called the field “an asset for the community.”

“Parents can bring their children to channel their energies,” Salaam said.

Jackson said, “Anytime you can bring recreation to an area, it’s good.”

Towns said he is looking at his next project.

“I am working on a recreational center,” he said. “There’s big money rolling out this afternoon. And I don’t mind begging.”