Laidley softball diamond to be named after local softball stalwart

The Laidley Recreation Reserve’s main softball diamond will be known as the ‘Col Lee Softball Diamond’ after Lockyer Valley Region Council sought the community’s input to name the facility.

Council received a total of 87 eligible submissions during its recent EOI process, with 77 nominating Mr Lee as the namesake.

Mayor Tanya Milligan said it wasn’t just his home-run of nominations that gave rise to the decision, but also Mr Lee’s long connection and service to the sport.

“Throughout his life, Col has been, and still is, an active member of the Lockyer Valley sporting community and has been heavily involved in softball in Mulgowie and Laidley,” Mayor Milligan said.

“He played for, coached and was president of the Mulgowie Angels, held various positions within Ipswich Softball, worked on the formation of the Lockyer Softball Association, and represented softball on the planning committee for the upgrade of the Laidley Recreation Reserve.”

Mayor Milligan said Mr Lee’s passion for the game and advancing the sport locally had rubbed off on many.

“He was influential in the start-up of the Lockyer Softball competition, organised coaching clinics, secured grants to improve infrastructure and lobbied for assistance during challenging times of drought and flooding,” she said.

“Col actively recruited the community to join Laidley softball and many of the nominations credit his encouragement as the reason they began playing softball.”
Councillors unanimously resolved to name the main softball diamond at the Laidley Recreation Reserve after Mr Lee during the November Ordinary Meeting earlier this month.

“The proof was in the pudding,” Mayor Milligan said.

“The overwhelming support for Col demonstrates a level of respect within the community that he should be extremely proud of.

“I for one am thrilled to offer my congratulations to Col on this well-deserved nod.”

Signage is scheduled to be installed in early 2024.