Castle Field

History

On July 25, 1950 the first game was played on Anoka’s lit baseball field located at Greenhaven Park. More than 1,200 people gathered in the stands and along the baselines to watch the games that evening.  Two local peewee teams played the first game of the night, playing the last two innings under the lights.  Two adult "townball" teams were the main event. It was Anoka vs. Nowthen.

Anoka was successful in building this field through community monetary donations and a donation of land from the Anoka American Legion.  Baseball enthusiasts and City leaders worked together to build the “finest lighted field” in the state. The field was of a novelty design; being lowered an additional eight feet below the property’s original grade so that bleachers could be erected into the hillside. The bleachers wrapped around home plate extending down the baselines. Spectators were
also able to watch the game from their cars with uninterrupted views from the parking lot.

In 1953 the field was renamed Castle Memorial Field after Willard E. Castle, an excellent baseball player, Veteran, and former employee of Anoka Electric. His memory lives on through all the boys and men that have played on this community ball field. The Castle family still lives in and around the Anoka area. 

The new field

 In 2009, the City staff began working with the Anoka American Legion, Anoka-Hennepin School District 11, City leaders, and members of Anoka’s baseball community to make this new field a reality.  In 2012, the field was constructed and in 2013, the building which includes restrooms and concession room were added. 

In addition to the name, the new Castle Memorial Field includes a 250-seat stadium bleacher with overhead canopy, press box, concession stand, and restroom facilities. Continuing Anoka’s tradition of a sunken field, the first row of bleacher seats are nearly eight feet above the field. 

As a premiere ball field serving both youth and adults, Castle Memorial Field will fulfill the community needs of Anoka and surrounding cities for years to come.

Castle Field is the official home field of the Anoka High School Varsity Baseball Team. Go Tornadoes! 

Castle Field Association

The Castle Field Association (CFA) was formed prior to the construction of the new field. The specific purpose of this organization is to lessen the financial and labor burdens of the City of Anoka in the relocation, construction and maintenance of a city owned baseball facility commonly known as Castle Field. CFA is responsible for the operations and activities including plans for seasonal field usage such as managing the scheduling of practices, games and tournaments and setting fees for field rentals.  

Paver Bricks

It is not too late to purchase a paver brick in honor of your youth or adult baseball player, business, baseball fan, or loved one.  Funds from the sales of pavers are used for future maintenance projects and improvements. 

Pavers are available in 2 sizes: 

  • 4x8 paver is $100 each maximum of 3 lines of text; 18 characters each line
  • 8x8 paver is $200 each and has a maximum of 5 lines of text or a logo

How to Purchase

You  will be redirected to the Park and Recreation catalog page to complete your purchase.  You will need to create an account with a user name and password. Purchases may be made in person the Public Services Department in the lower level of Anoka City Hall.