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Written by: E. George
Published June 2, 2025 @ 9:30 AM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – As the countdown to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game begins, Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves, and the Atlanta Braves Foundation have announced a series of community-focused initiatives expected to leave a lasting mark on the Atlanta area. A combined investment of over $4 million will be directed toward multiple projects designed to improve access to youth sports, support veterans, and promote food sustainability and inclusivity throughout the region.
The 2025 All-Star Legacy initiative is the latest installment of a long-standing tradition that uses MLB’s marquee summer event to benefit local communities. Since its inception in 1997, the program has contributed nearly $120 million to cities hosting the Midsummer Classic. This year, the focus is on projects that reflect the cultural and civic needs of metro Atlanta, blending sports, wellness, and social responsibility.
Among the major efforts is a comprehensive renovation at Rhyne Park Softball Complex in Cobb County. Upgrades include the installation of three new turf fields, a new batting cage, and various facility enhancements designed to expand year-round access for local youth leagues. The improvements are expected to address play equity challenges and foster continued growth in girls’ softball across the region.
In southeast Atlanta, an undeveloped site at the Leila Valley apartment complex will be transformed into a vibrant, seven-acre urban farm. In partnership with Food Well Alliance and Atlanta Housing, the space will be cultivated into a garden and orchard designed to provide tens of thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually to underserved communities. Volunteers from MLB, the Braves, and local organizations will participate in preparing the land and planting the first crops during All-Star Week.
Veterans are also at the forefront of the Legacy initiative through the development of a mobile Warrior Fitness Trailer for Camp Southern Ground in Fayetteville. With support from MLB and the Braves, the facility will offer customized wellness programs to veterans navigating the transition to civilian life. The trailer is part of a broader effort to provide physical and mental health resources to post-9/11 veterans at no cost.
The Braves and MLB will also install a sensory room at Truist Park, providing a dedicated, calming space for fans with sensory processing needs. The area will open during All-Star Week and remain available during future games and events, creating a more inclusive experience at the stadium.
In Rockdale County, the Barksdale Baseball Field at the A.R. Gus Boys & Girls Club will receive a major overhaul. Renovations include new fencing, dugout and scoreboard repairs, and the installation of irrigation and lighting systems. The improvements are part of an ongoing commitment to support youth development and recreational opportunities through the national partnership between MLB and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Additional funding from the initiative will support national partners, including the Jackie Robinson Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer. These projects will complement a broader calendar of community events during All-Star Week with programs that honor military families, promote environmental sustainability, and celebrate individuals with special needs.
The 95th MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at Truist Park, with surrounding events designed to ensure the festivities have a positive and lasting impact on Atlanta’s diverse communities.