Heavy rains and flooding carved out the bank at the back of the ball field and eroded the walkway along the edge of the creek. The altered stream flow created new gravel deposits which led to more erosion and loss of the walkways.

It took a year of planning, paperwork and approvals, before construction began on Oct. 22 and was completed in seven days.

Construction plans and regulatory requests were prepared by volunteer consultant Joe Homburger of Phoenix Mills. Merrilyn O’Connell, of Cooperstown, initiated the project, coordinated paperwork, and with Homburger, monitored the day to day construction.

According to O’Connell, the project stabilized the two eroding and unstable stream bank areas for a distance of 290 feet and protected the backfield of the community ballpark, which had eroded within 10 feet. It also preserved the town property for other recreational purposes and contributed to the integrity of the historic 1875 District Schoolhouse.

O’Connell said the project addressed public safety issues and restored access to the water for the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department.

Project funding was authorized by Federal Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management offices. The work was completed by Tioga Construction of Herkimer, adhering to Department of Environmental Conservation and Army Corps of Engineers regulations.

``The quality of the completed work reflects Tioga Construction’s expertise and experience, which is also evident with similar projects in this area,’’ O’Connell said.

A travelway higher than the stream flow was created with the stone fill to access the work areas and to maintain water quality. The Town of Middlefield highway department assisted with materials supply and delivery and a staging area at the town barn.

Generations have made Cherry Valley Creek experiences part of their growing up and growing old _ swimming, fishing, skating, boating, exploring, O’Connell said.

The former sawmill and school district properties were acquired by the Town of Middlefield in 1966. The school building, now listed on the National Register, was leased to the Town of Middlefield Historical Association in 1966 and restored. The mill buildings had been town down in the 1940s.

As a community bicentennial project in 1976, led by the Association, funds were raised for a professional site plan and site work to create a recreation area out of what had become an overgrown gravel pit. The Town appointed a Middlefield Youth Commission, which organized ice skating in the winter, the Middlefield Little League and various other sports activities, and built an equipment/ concession stand.

The historical association helps with fundraising, maintenance, and improvement projects.

The field is also used for the Association’s Community Day and Fall Festival.