Fields of memories in Hayden

HAYDEN — For Kevin Croffoot, Croffoot Park is more than a place that shares his family name.

It’s a place that holds countless memories: of his late son, Austin, playing soccer on a field that’s now named for him. Of his late father, Bob Croffoot, for whom the park itself was named, attending his grandchildren’s soccer games.

“This park means the world to us,” Croffoot said.

The Croffoot family gathered with city officials and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the 6-acre expansion of Croffoot Park, marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The expansion includes six new soccer fields of varying sizes in addition to a new bathroom, concession stand, gazebo and parking area. The park spans over 25 acres and has baseball diamonds, softball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts and a playground. 

Croffoot said his father, who was a city administrator for Hayden, dreamed of the city having its own sports complex. When Croffoot was in youth sports himself, the only option was to drive down to McEuen Park for games.  

Now, just as Bob Croffoot once watched his own grandchildren play at Croffoot Park, Kevin Croffoot looks forward to someday watching his 3-year-old grandchild play on the same fields.  

“Today is really a surreal moment,” Croffoot said. 

The expansion project cost $1.8 million and took about two years to complete.  

Funds came from the Hayden Urban Renewal Agency and were supplemented by a grant. 

“No project would come together without the support of our community and benefactors,” said Mayor Alan Davis.  

    Mayor Alan Davis (center) performed a ribbon cutting alongside city officials to mark the grand opening of the 6-acre expansion of Croffoot Park.