Akron Youth League receives $20,000 grant for diamond field lighting project

The Fulton County Community Foundation, a fund affiliate of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation (NICF), has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Akron Youth League (AYL) to support the replacement of field lighting at the Boys Diamond in Akron. 

The original lighting system, installed in 1974, had become outdated and inadequate for safe play. While the bulbs were last replaced in 2012 with help from Fulton County REMC, the entire system was in need of a full upgrade. Thanks to the grant funding, AYL successfully installed modern fixtures that provide significantly improved visibility for evening games.

“This project is a great example of how the community foundation can help meet immediate needs that also have long-term impact,” said Brian Johnson, Fulton County Community Foundation Director of Development. “These lights will allow Akron to continue hosting high-quality tournaments and give local youth the chance to enjoy baseball under the lights.”

AYL has proudly hosted the 12U Town & Country Boys Semi-State Tournament for many years, attracting families and athletes from across Northern Indiana. While the facilities are often praised, the lighting during late-night games has been a common concern.

With the new lights in place, AYL is excited to bring back the popular “Friday Night Lights” summer league series and be able to host the 8U Boys Baseball Tournament. The upgrades were completed ahead of the 2025 season, ensuring a bright and welcoming environment for players and fans alike.

For more information about this project or to learn how to support local youth programs, visit www.nicf.org.