The Randy Custis Memorial Fund was established as a tribute to nine year old Randy Custis who was killed by a drunk driver in 1978. Randy loved the game of baseball which led his parents Phil and Barbara to establish the Randy Custis Memorial Fund so that other children could benefit from the game and grow to love baseball as much as Randy did. Seed money from the fund and the hard work of volunteers constructed the Little League fields in Nassawadox on what was then rented land. In 1988 players threw out the first pitch at the complex now known as the Randy Custis Memorial Park.
Since that time the land has been purchased and there have been many improvements and additions to the park. The site now comprises 31 acres with a variety of sporting fields and courts including 5 ball fields serving baseball, softball and tee ball, 5 soccer fields, 2 sand volleyball courts, and a football field. There are also indoor and outdoor batting cages, a playground, a concession stand with restroom facilities, a covered pavilion, and an equipment building complete with restrooms and an office.
The Randy Custis Memorial Fund currently works with several leagues which operate organized children’s sports at the park. Those leagues are Shore Little League, Shore Soccer League and Shore Sand Volleyball. Pop Warner Football and Shore Field Hockey have previously utilized the park but are both inactive at this time. We are always looking for new partners to increase the amount of sports and recreation we offer to the community. If you have an idea for a new league to form or have some thoughts on how the park can further serve the community we welcome you email us at info@randycustispark.com
Volunteers continue to drive the efforts that take place at the Randy Custis Memorial Park. The league partner volunteers (Shore Little League, Shore Soccer, and Shore Sand Volleyball) and the RCMF Executive Board organize and oversee the operations and fundraising that take place to enhance the opportunities available at the park. Recently there has been much going on with our partners at Shore Little League. Their volunteers have been working hard on the construction of new dugouts on the softball, tee ball, and minor league fields. They have also seen to the installation of electronic scoreboards on the softball and minor league fields and new bleachers have been placed near the tee ball field. The RCMF Executive Board has conducted several fundraisers such as the Sheriff Doughty Golf Tournament, The Tommy Northam Dinner sponsored by Little Italy, The Barbara Custis Music Festival, and the annual letter drive. These events help to generate funds to keep up with the operation and maintenance of the park along with some capital improvements. Private donations along with several of the local towns and some local civic organizations contribute to the fund as well to help keep the gates open and the bills paid.
Until her passing in December of 2010 Barbara Custis gave her creativity and support into making the Randy Custis Memorial Park a “Field of Dreams” for both young and old alike. Phil Custis continues to be actively engaged in the activities that take place at the park and loves to see the smiles and energy that the children show while they play. From the deepest tragedy parents can bear, Phil and Barbara brought together diverse members of the Eastern Shore to create an enduring, sustainable community resource amid troubled times. Many hands and hearts joined together to construct the Randy Custis Memorial Park and the fund that sustains it continues to need your help. So once again we are calling on the community to come together for our children’s benefit; volunteer, donate or attend an event to show your support!
Phil and Barbara Custis.