2007 News Archive 

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Ocee Park opens for 2007 season

Around 1,500 baseball fans gathered Saturday afternoon, March 3, for the opening day of the spring season at Ocee Park.

The day's first game between the Diamondbacks - defending champions of the 50/70 Cal Ripken division (ages 10-12) - and the Padres featured Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker throwing out the first pitch.

© Terri Dinardo Photography

A Chick-Fil-A mascot joins Mayor Bodker, center, Ocee Park World Series SponsorPeachtree LBP Finance's Tim Trankina, left, his son Ben, and Johns Creek Recreationand Parks Manager Kirk Franz, far right, for the Ocee Park Opening Day ceremony.

The Diamondbacks won 7-6.

Mayor Bodker visits with members of the defending
champions (50/70 Cal Ripken Division) Diamondbacks
at the 2006 opening game at Ocee Park, March 3.

A highlight of the first game's ceremony was the presentation of a $10,000 check from Peachtree LBP Finance Company to the all-volunteer Ocee Park Athletic Association (OPAA), which runs the Park.

One of the most popular recreational spots in Johns Creek, more than 2000 people attend Ocee Park each Saturday to participate in OPAA activities. About 1,200 boys and girls, ages 5-16, participate in the spring youth baseball and softball programs and about 800 in the fall programs.

Since its founding in 1993, the OPAA has grown to include more than 1,100 families in its membership.The focus of its program is on teaching skills, promoting good sportsmanship and having fun.

Ocee Park is on Buice Road, just east of Kimball Bridge Road. Formerly part of the Fulton County Parks and Recreation system, Ocee Park was recently purchased by the City of Johns Creek. More information on Ocee Park and directions are available here.