Parks & Recreation

Manheim Veterans Memorial Park

On autumn Friday nights across Lancaster County, grassy athletic fields bring communities together in support of their high school football teams. Nowhere is that sense of community spirit more evident than in Manheim.

The renowned Manheim Central Barons play their home games at Elden N. Rettew Field, which is part of a recreational and sports complex that spans more than 50 acres in the heart of Manheim. According to the annals of the Manheim Historical Society, Rettew, who was born in 1906 and died in 1985, viewed the development of the Veterans Memorial Park complex – baseball, softball and Little League fields; volleyball, basketball and tennis courts; swimming pools; playgrounds; farm show buildings; natural areas; a relocated and preserved covered bridge and, of course, a football field – as a labor of love. Rettew’s dedication to the project began after World War II, when he became involved with the Manheim Athletic Association, which purchased the initial 15 acres and bequeathed them to the borough as a “citizens’ gift.” (The area where the football stadium is located was once a cornfield.)

Rettew went on to serve as the chairman of the Manheim Field Commission, which oversaw the growth of the park, until 1980, at which time another entity assumed that role. As part of his responsibilities, Rettew made it a priority to beautify the complex with trees, shrubbery and other plantings.

To Rettew’s surprise and delight, the football field was named in his honor during a half-time ceremony that was held on November 12, 1982. The date was significant: It happened to be the avid Barons fan’s 77th birthday.

For information about the newest proposed addition to the park, a plaza dedicated to all who have served, visit manheimveteransmemorial.org.

Photographed October 14, 2022