Pitt Meadows names ball diamonds after longtime youth sports volunteers
Two Pitt Meadows ball diamonds are being named in honour of longtime volunteers who spent decades supporting youth sports and the community.
The City of Pitt Meadows announced Aug. 27 that Diamond #7 at Pitt Meadows Athletic Park will be named Coach Seven Field in honour of Greg “Coach 7” Bodnarchuk, while a diamond at North Bonson Park will become Pat Hardy Field.
Both were recognized for decades of volunteer work with youth sports in Pitt Meadows and the broader Ridge Meadows community.
“Pitt Meadows is shaped by people who give their time, energy and care to support others,” Mayor Nicole MacDonald said. “These honourary field names recognize two individuals whose volunteer contributions have helped create meaningful opportunities for local athletes, families and the broader community.”
Bodnarchuk has spent more than 30 years volunteering with youth baseball in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.
Beginning in 1995, he served as a coach, mentor, administrator and community leader, working with thousands of children and families. Known in the community as “Coach 7,” Bodnarchuk also helped establish a legacy through the Super 7 program and tournament, which introduces children to baseball.
“Greg’s contributions were never about personal recognition,” said Ryan Carpenter, who nominated Bodnarchuk for the honour. “They were about creating opportunities for young people, strengthening community connections and making youth sport a positive experience for everyone involved.”
Carpenter said naming the field after Bodnarchuk provides lasting recognition for someone whose work continues to influence the community.
Hardy’s involvement in local softball stretched back even further.
She began volunteering with the Ridge Meadows Minor Softball Association in 1977, initially coaching her daughters’ teams before taking on several executive positions.
Hardy served as association president from 1987 to 1989 and received an honourary lifetime membership in 1995.
The city said Hardy was an advocate for accessible and affordable youth sports and helped improve local field amenities while building community connections through her generosity and neighbourhood activities.
Hardy died in March 2024.
“Pat was a dear friend to the Pitt Meadows community and will be missed by all,” said Andy Cleven, who nominated her for the honour. “She never stopped giving her time and energy and was always there to support the community.”
Cleven said naming the North Bonson field in Hardy’s memory is a meaningful way to recognize her contributions.
The field namings follow council’s July 21 approval of a new sponsorship, naming and honorary naming rights policy, which establishes a formal process for considering names for city assets.
Signs identifying Pat Hardy Field and Coach Seven Field are expected to be installed at North Bonson Park and Pitt Meadows Athletic Park in the coming weeks.
