Golden Valley Park Dedicated to Local Little League Coach

Golden Valley Little League opened its season by honoring a former coach and long-time resident. Richard “Dick” Isaacson devoted decades to youth sports, with more than 40 years spent as a little league coach. and now the park where coached is officially called Isaacson Park.

“My family and I were really touched by this gesture,” David Isaacson, Dick’s son said. “It’s an excellent tribute to our dad who truly loved to coach.”

Isaacson said his father was dedicated to helping kids. “He even volunteered to coach hockey for awhile even though he didn’t know how to skate,” Isaacson recalled with a chuckle. “That was just the kind of guy he was.”

Dick Isaacson coached hockey and football over the years, but his real passion was baseball.

“He was my coach as a kid and he stayed a coach long after me and my brother grew out of it,” Isaacson said. With grown kids of his own, Isaacson says he got the coaching bug later on in life too.

“I spent about ten years coaching hockey,” he said. “There’s no question my dad played a role in that decision.”

President of Golden Valley Little League Pete Birkeland says Dick Isaacson inspired many kids throughout his volunteer career as coach.

“He was a staple in this program and it’s important that his legacy be remembered,” Birkeland said. “That’s why we thought it was fitting to name the park after him.”

Birkeland says the park dedication coincides with the opening of two new ball diamonds on Sandburg Road. Golden Valley Little League received a county grant to add two new fields, which will see their first round of play this fall.

“The fields look great and we can’t wait to use them,” Birkeland said. “It seemed fitting to name the fields after Dick Isaacson before we break them in.”

The Isaacson family took part in a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting on May 5.

“It is a really special tribute and we are honored,” Isaacson said. “His legacy will live on."