Jim Parrish

With the formal dedication of Jim Parrish Field today at Bettis Family Sports Complex, the Parks for All Foundation is honoring Jim Parrish for his unselfish work, support and generous contributions to youth baseball in Topeka over the past 40 years. While a youthful Kansas State Senator, Jim Parrish sponsored and helped coach the Topeka Senators youth baseball teams. Support of the Senators teams continued when his wife Nancy, who is currently a Shawnee County District Judge, also served as a Kansas State Senator.

As time evolved, Parrish was able to expand his attention to the needs of Topeka inter-city youth with the support of his company. The Parrish Hotel Corporation through advertising and
sponsorships of youth baseball at Dornwood Park and now at the Bettis family Sports Complex has invested significant sums to support youth baseball programs over the years. “Mr. Parrish has more than earned and deserves this naming right honor to acknowledge his long history of working with Topeka youth baseball, especially caring about these kids.” Said John Knight, Former Director, Shawnee County Parks & Recreation.

The Parrish Hotel Corporation and Jim Parrish have not just sponsored youth teams in Topeka but were instrumental in keeping the Highland Park Booster Baseball program alive when Parrish and other supporters formed the Highland Park Baseball Association. Parrish spearheaded the purchase of land and working with volunteers and the City of Topeka, expanded the Dornwood youth baseball facility to keep the program going. This made it possible to celebrate this year, 75 years of serving Highland Park youth with the baseball program at Dornwood.

On July 13th, the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame will induct the Highland Park Baseball Association into the 2015 class of honorees. Mr. Parrish was selected to receive the award on
behalf of the hundreds of coaches, sponsors and volunteers over the years that worked to keep this program available for Highland Park kids.

Today, the Parks for All Foundation, and Shawnee County Commissioners acknowledge the significant contributions of Jim Parrish with the appropriate naming of a youth diamond, Jim Parrish Field