While it will be some time before the Altadena community heals entirely from the dark, destructive clouds wrought by the Eaton fire, a welcome taste of coming spring is in the works, thanks to L.A.’s hometown baseball team.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has pledged to develop two “dream fields” at Loma Alta Park, situated in the foothills at the north end of Janes Village. Working in tandem with the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation, the project is planned to be completed by May 10, when the park reopens.

“I was totally shocked to hear about that and really amazed at how much they’re helping,” said Lacey Holmquist, a nearby resident and board member of the Central Altadena Little League, who lost her house in the fire.

For years, she said, the park has been the go-to for her and her family.

“It is close to where my house used to be,” Holmquist said, with her sons Henry and Louie having flown their kites there on many occasions, and her husband, Andrew, previously playing soccer there with friends.

“It was really just one of those great parks in the center of the community,” she said.

Enlisting the help of fans, proceeds from the Dodgers’ Opening Day and Ring Ceremony Day 50/50 raffles will go toward the development of the new fields, as well as ongoing relief efforts.

“We’re proud to be part of this transformation and can’t wait to see the impact for generations to come,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the LADF.

“After the Eaton fire, so many families were displaced, and for kids, losing a space like this meant losing a sense of normalcy … We believe that sports have the power to uplift communities, and this park will be a beacon of hope for so many,” she said.

While final costs are undetermined, Whiteman said the fields will be designed as regulation youth and softball fields, with 60-foot base paths and a t-ball field to accommodate younger kids.

Asked whether any Dodgers players will be taking part in the dedication ceremony scheduled for May 10, Whiteman noted details were still being finalized, but stated, “It is sure to be special.”

On a stop earlier this week in Altadena, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said the new restoration plans for the park are essential in an area trying to piece itself back together.

“Loma Alta Park is more than just a park — it’s a vital gathering place where residents can heal, connect and make memories once again,” she said. “I am proud to stand with our partners in making this restoration a reality.”

She noted that a $2.4-million grant from FireAid, the benefit concert fundraiser, will go toward rebuilding the playgrounds, thanks to efforts organized by the Annenberg Foundation and the FireAid Grants Advisory Committee.

Barger also described that the park will have “Alta CHAT” gathering spaces, which will include Adirondack chairs for lounging in the hopes of fostering community interaction and socializing.

“This restoration is not just about rebuilding structures — it’s about bringing people together, fostering hope, and investing in the future of Altadena,” she said.

While the Central Altadena Little League has traditionally played at Farnsworth Park, Holmquist said that ironically they were going to be using Loma Alta Park this season because Farnsworth was to be under renovation this spring.

Consequently, she said, when the Loma Alta Park reopens on May 10, the league — which will spend the bulk of this season playing at Robinson Park Recreation Center in Pasadena — will get to close out its year at Loma Alta Park.

“It’s going to be really cool to be there for our last games,” Holmquist said. “All of us are really excited.”

The Dodgers Dreamfields program has similarly refurbished 65 fields throughout the region since 2003, investing over $20 million in the effort.

“LADF is deeply committed to investing in safe, accessible spaces for youth to play, learn and grow,” Whiteman said. “The two new Dodgers Dreamfields at Loma Alta Park (are) a symbol of resilience, opportunity and community.”

“We are grateful to our partners and supporters who are making this vision a reality,” she said, “and look forward to welcoming kids and families back to this beloved park.”

Jarret Liotta is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and photographer.