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Steamboat Springs — Editor's Note: This story has been updated from its original version, to add Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., to the list of sponsors for the new fence at Emerald Park.

Baseball coach Dave Roy has been pounding the pavement since the fall looking for help. But he discovered during the winter that he didn't have to walk too far to find support in the community of Steamboat Springs.

Several months, and $8,100, later, the coach is about to see the reward of his fundraising efforts. When the Steamboat Springs American Legion Baseball team takes the field for the home opener June 6 at Emerald Blue, the coach and his players will take pride in the appearance of the team's home field. As they stand at home plate, the local team and the visitors will have one of the best views of a recently purchased outfield fence.

"This is a significant improvement," Roy said. "It's an improvement that our players and this town can take pride in."

Roy said his bid to replace an aging portable fence at the field began last fall, and thanks to local sponsors such as Yampa Valley Electric Association, the Rotary Club of Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat branch of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., a new fence was purchased during the winter and is now in place at Emerald Park. Roy said Raysor Trucking, of Commerce City, and several private donors also contributed to the new outfield fence.

Roy said the efforts of community members are going to be recognized prior to the first home game June 6. At 10:45 a.m. that day, a ceremony also recognizing D-Day will be held featuring the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and a flag presentation by members of American Legion Post 44.

Roy said the game is the first time the public will have a chance to see the new fence and the improved appearance of the field.

"This fence addressed some safety issues, but it was also an issue of appearance," Roy said. "The field looks a whole lot better now."

He also is hoping to cover the remaining cost of the fence, which cost $12,100. The fundraising efforts raised $8,100, and Roy fronted the rest out of his own checkbook. He said he will continue to fundraise to cover that final $4,000.

Roy said the fence has been donated to the Steamboat Springs Parks, Open Space and Recreational Services Department and that the city will take charge of maintaining and storing the fence when it is not in use.

Roy said he plans to place the banners of supporters along the outfield fence, and he is hoping to add companies along the fencing in the future in an effort to support American Legion Baseball in Steamboat Springs.

-To reach John F. Russell call 871-4209 or e-mail jrussell@steamboatpilot.com