CoolToday Park spring training fuels North Port community spirit

NORTH PORT, Fla.—Spring training at CoolToday Park isn't just about baseball. It's also about the people working behind the scenes, enriching the community and creating memorable experiences for fans.

At Dawgs & Burgers stand, each hot dog and burger serves a greater purpose. Meals on Wheels Executive Director Ken Strosnider explained the impact.

“We volunteer and run a concession stand here as part of our fundraising efforts to support the mission,” said Strosnider.

The Meals on Wheels mission supports North Port by providing nutritious meals to those who cannot prepare them themselves.

“We prepare meals, nutritious meals, and deliver them to people who can't make meals for themselves. So it's it doesn't have anything to do with income or age. It's just any adult that can't make meals for themselves safely,” said Strosnider.

Spring training is their biggest fundraiser of the year, powered by more than 200 volunteers.

“We can have fun. You can kind of see the ball game in the background. So it's just a good way to kind of interact with the community while we're using money for the mission,” said Strosnider. 

Inside the ballpark, familiar faces like Linda and Tom Emmett have become part of the Braves' spirit, having served for nearly a decade.

“I remember coming in there the first time, and you're just like, oh my gosh, you know me, but they'll come in and so get to talk to them, and then they give me baseballs, and I get to give the baseball to kids, and their eyes just light up. And I've even had the parents come back, and they come back just, just thank you,” said Linda Emmett.

Tom Emmett shared the excitement of being around baseball fans.

“The energy is everywhere. And they love seeing all the ball players. You know, it's the real deal, man. It keeps us at our age. It keeps us active. We won't be sitting down,” said Tom Emmett.

From serving meals to creating smiles, the heart of CoolToday Park lies in the hands of those who make it happen.