The Parks and Recreation Department hosted a dedication ceremony naming the baseball field at Sunset Park in honor of a longtime volunteer coach on Tuesday, May 21 at 11 a.m.

Hunter Presson (1927-2023) was a dedicated and committed volunteer coach for the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department from 1955 through 1972 and provided his expertise as a Midget Football referee from 1968 through 1977. He also served as Booster Club President of Monroe High School Athletics.  

Andy Small, one of Presson’s former students, recently led the effort to have Field 1 at Sunset Park renamed in Presson’s honor. Small, and others, sent multiple emails to the Parks and Recreation staff describing how Presson positively impacted the lives of countless individuals through mentorship, athletics and friendship.

“We’re humbled and appreciative of all the staff at the City of Monroe and all of our friends that honored us by their presence today,” said Philip Presson, Hunter Presson’s son. “We couldn’t be happier about the dedication of this field to dad. I’m sure he’s upstairs smiling down at us today.”

Parks and Recreation staff unveiled the new signs bearing Presson’s name: one on the infield and one on the outfield.

“The goal of recreational athletic programs is not to win, but to compete in an environment that encourages self-improvement on a physical and emotional level. I say this because these are the values Hunter Presson embodied as a coach, mentor and friend,” said Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Jones. 

“In a few weeks this field is going to be full of young kids playing ball, and they’re going to see the sign here. One of the children is going to say ‘who was Hunter Presson?’ and their grandparent is going to put their arm around them and say ‘let me tell you about Hunter Presson,’” said Andy Small. “Let’s enjoy today and enjoy the life Hunter Presson gave us.”

Monroe City Council approved the renaming of the Baseball Field for Hunter Presson at its Regular Meeting on December 12, 2023.

Learn more about the Parks and Recreation Department’s youth athletics programs