ABS Park

The History

Over two decades ago, Ralph and Karen Wisher embarked on a mission to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of future generations of youngsters in the Flathead region. Their vision led them to generously donate more than 20 acres of their Spring Creek bordering land in Evergreen, with the intention of providing easy access for children to engage in youth sports through a nonprofit entity.

Integral to this endeavor was the recognition of their family business, Able Body Shop, as a significant contributor to the necessary financial resources. Hence, the novel facility was christened "ABS" Park, incorporating the initials of their business.

The park's modest origins evolved through various stages of development and administration. In its initial phase, the baseball association collaborating with the field joined forces with the Evergreen Lions Club to foster the fledgling facility. Guided by the unwavering dedication of long-serving Lion and baseball enthusiast, Greg Phillips, the park experienced continuous expansion.

Over the passing years, ABS Park witnessed consistent growth and enhancement. A legion of volunteers and generous benefactors contributed by drilling wells, constructing roads, transporting truckloads of donated soil, nurturing and maintaining the grass, erecting fencing and backstops, setting up sprinkler systems, erecting structures, and providing coaching and mentorship opportunities.

In addition, the Evergreen Rotary installed a playground and restroom facilities, Flathead Electric Coop played a pivotal role in safety measures with fencing and backstops, while local Evergreen businesses and the Chamber of Commerce furnished volunteer support and contributions. Numerous individuals and corporate patrons rallied to support the various improvements and amenities that enrich the park.

Throughout its journey, the park also hosted and embraced enhancements from groups such as Regulators Baseball and the local Boys and Girls Club. More recently, Evergreen Community Partners oversaw essential developments, including the installation of a new water pump, mowers, and fencing.

However, the year 2021 marked a particularly transformative chapter in the park's mission when the "Sluggers Baseball" initiative, led by Chris Gillette, forged a fresh alliance to advance the park's objectives. This partnership heralded the establishment of ABS Park LLC. Chris was joined by Joel Rosenberg, Charlse Lapp, Tammi Fisher, and Frank Garner in founding the ABS Park 501C3 nonprofit organization, which now bears responsibility for ABS Park and champions the "Sluggers" baseball teams.

The arrival of Chris and the "Sluggers Nation" injected the ABS Park landscape with a whirlwind of energy, adept leadership, and an unparalleled zeal for coaching and guiding children. Consequently, significant strides were made: the primary Babe Ruth field underwent substantial enhancements, a new minor league field was introduced, work commenced on a sprawling 6000 square foot indoor performance center, bullpens and batting cages were established, and the "Sluggers" baseball program flourished with multiple teams spanning the 10U to 15U age brackets.

Today, ABS Park is rapidly emerging as a premier youth sports complex in the region. The overarching goal remains steadfast: to ensure unhindered access to sports activities for Flathead's young populace, fostering attributes such as teamwork, mentorship, positive role modeling, achievement, and the myriad benefits that participation in the ABS and Slugger communities confers.

Anticipate a wave of exciting developments on the horizon for our programs and facilities. Stay tuned to be part of the exhilarating journey that is ABS Park and Sluggers Baseball!