Neil Draper, a beloved figure in the Rose Park community, is to be honored posthumously with the renaming of the northeast baseball field in Riverside Park to “Neil Draper Field.”
This decision follows a resolution approved by the Salt Lake City Council, recognizing Draper’s lifelong contributions to youth sports, particularly baseball, and his deep ties to the local neighborhood.
Draper, who passed away in March at the age of 94, spent much of his life supporting youth sports, dedicating his resources to make a difference in the lives of young athletes.
His daughter, Susan Draper Marshall, fondly recalls how dedicated he was to his young players, often purchasing baseball jerseys and providing treats at games to encourage their passion for the sport.
“Daddy was buying baseball jerseys, hats and making sure there was a snow cone waiting for them after their games,” said Marshall.
She continued, saying that no matter where they went, someone would always approach them to share how Draper had impacted their baseball experience.
The family’s connection to the Rose Park community runs deep, with Neil’s Pro Service, a Phillips 66 gas station he operated from the 1960s, remaining a family business and a landmark in the neighborhood to this day.
Salt Lake City Councilwoman Victoria Petro, a Rose Park resident, emphasized the importance of recognizing Draper’s contributions not only through the renaming of the field but also by honoring the legacy he built for future generations.
“The Draper family has repeatedly invested in Rose Park, making sure that the strength, talent, and promise of our youth has an outlet,” Petro said during the council meeting.
She expressed gratitude toward Draper and his family for their continuous engagement with the community, stating, “Thank you for giving me a place to raise my family.”
The resolution to rename the baseball field aligns with a broader initiative outlined in a Salt Lake City parks master plan from 2022, which suggested renaming parks and park features honoring Indigenous names and community leaders.
Draper’s name stood out as the perfect tribute during discussions about the northeast ballpark, renowned as a filming location for the beloved movie
image source from：deseret
