Baseball Field in Lafayette Park to Sport New Name

Field Dedication to be held March 28

March 24, 2023

The dedication ceremony for David Chapman Field has been postponed due to the possibility of severe weather. The event will now be held on Thursday, March 30, at 6 p.m.

Generations of kids have grown up playing in Lafayette Park. David Chapman was one of those kids, and when he grew up, he used his career to ensure all Tallahasseeans could experience the joy provided by parks and recreation. Chapman was a public servant with the City of Tallahassee from 1972-2007. He started his career working as a Playcamp counselor at Lafayette Park and retired as the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

On Tuesday, March 28, the baseball field in Lafayette Park will be named in his honor. The community is invited to join in the celebration and watch Chapman throw out the first pitch of the spring youth softball season at 6 p.m.

"During his more than 30 years serving our community, David Chapman created a lasting legacy for how to provide world-class parks and recreation services," Mayor John Dailey said. "This field dedication is a full-circle moment, honoring him for a lifetime of impact where his passion for parks originally took root."

"This recognition is a great honor," Chapman said. "I grew up playing baseball and football on this field 60 years ago. I have seen Tallahassee's park system grow from its earliest stages. The way it continues to grow and meet the changing recreation needs of our community is a testament to the passion and dedication of its staff both past and present."

Through both his career and volunteer service as a youth sports coach, Chapman contributed to the enhancement of Lafayette Park. As a resident of the surrounding neighborhood since 1975, he and his wife along with their kids and grandkids have regularly utilized the park's amenities and remain active participants in programs and events at the community center.

The idea to name the baseball field in his honor was unanimously supported by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in October 2022 and formally approved by the Mayor and City Commissioners.

If you are interested in parks near you, visit Talgov.com/Parks. Stay engaged with City news and events by visiting Talgov.com or following @CityofTLH on social media.