Picture the scene. You’re standing at Kerby Field in Grosse Pointe Farms Michigan. Lush green grass stretches before you. Three Little League diamonds beckon. A full-sized 90-foot diamond waits for the crack of the bat. This isn’t just any park. Kerby Field is a vital part of the Grosse Pointe community. It’s a place where kids learn to play ball. It’s where the Grosse Pointe Soccer Association practices. It’s even home to a dog park. But Kerby Field’s story goes much deeper than just games and playtime.
Kerby Field is more than just a place for recreation. It’s a historical landmark connected to the history of Grosse Pointe. Its name reflects the legacy of John Kerby. He settled in Grosse Pointe around 1796. He owned a large farm. Kerby Road itself started as a lane on that farm. The original Kerby school a one-room wooden structure stood near the lake. It dates back to around 1886. As Grosse Pointe grew the school needed a new building. This was constructed in 1905. William B Stratton and Frank C Baldwin designed this building. It stood on Kerby Road.
The school’s history is intertwined with the development of the entire area. The school even served as a part-time library location for many years. In 1951 a brand new Kerby school was built at 285 Kerby Road. Robert O Derrick and Branson Van Leer Gamber designed this school. Interestingly a crescent window from the old school was salvaged and installed in the new building. The old school building was demolished in 1985 to make room for more parking for the Farms municipal offices. The current Kerby Field reflects that long history. It represents a link between the past and the present.
Kerby Field today offers more than baseball and soccer. There’s a playscape for younger children. The dog park is a popular spot for local residents. However you need a dog license and vaccination records to access it. Remember that. The Orten Fieldhouse provides shelter from the elements. It stands as a testament to community spirit. The field represents a legacy of community involvement. It stands as a symbol of the rich history of Grosse Pointe. Kerby Field is more than just a park. It is a living piece of history. It shows the spirit of Grosse Pointe’s past and present.