Historic Waterford Field Restoration Completed
Local resident Katie Belliotti refurbished the 1972 Freehan Field to support youth sports and Alzheimer's research.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Katie Belliotti has finished a one-year restoration of Waterford's historic Freehan Field, transforming it into a dedicated facility for the Lady Outlaws travel softball team. The project also established a philanthropic partnership with an Arkansas-based foundation to raise funds for Alzheimer's disease research.
Why it matters
The renovation provides a functional home base for local youth athletics while creating a new venue for charity work. By partnering with a national foundation, the project aims to turn local sports tournaments into a broader awareness campaign.
The Patricia Ann Perroni Field of Dreams Foundation raised over $50,000 during a tournament last summer. Additionally, the foundation provided a $2,500 donation to the Belliotti family to support the project.
The players
Katie Belliotti
She led the restoration efforts for the historic Freehan Field in Waterford.
Sam Perroni
He is the founder of the Patricia Ann Perroni Field of Dreams Foundation based in Arkansas.
Lady Outlaws
This is a travel softball team that uses the newly restored field as their primary facility.
Patricia Ann Perroni Field of Dreams Foundation
This organization partners with local communities to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's disease research.
The details
The restoration of the 1972 facility involved removing the pitcher's mound, repairing the scoreboard, installing new infield dirt, and adding an extended backstop. Belliotti collaborated with Sam Perroni after visiting an Arkansas field to study his facility management model.
Timeline
Freehan Field was originally constructed in 1972.
A tournament in the summer of 2026 raised over $50,000.
The restoration project concluded in October 2026.
The facility is scheduled to host an Alzheimer's fundraiser in the summer of 2027.
Market Landscape
This project mirrors the growing trend of community-led athletic facility revitalization efforts that leverage private partnerships. It positions local groups to compete for broader charitable capital by integrating sports venues into national cause-based fundraising networks.
Local residents and families of the Lady Outlaws now have access to a specialized softball facility featuring professional-grade upgrades. The upcoming summer tournament also provides a direct opportunity for residents to participate in local fundraising for Alzheimer's research.
The takeaway
Communities can repurpose aging public infrastructure by forming strategic partnerships with specialized foundations. Engaging local stakeholders in renovation projects ensures that facilities remain functional while serving as platforms for community-driven philanthropy.
What happens next
The restored field is scheduled to host an Alzheimer's fundraiser in the summer of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives in the Waterford Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXYZ 7 News Detroit.
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