Spruce Grove names ball diamond after former mayor Stuart Houston

SPRUCE GROVE -- Spruce Grove has named a baseball diamond at Henry Singer Ball Park after former Mayor Stuart Houston.

Houston served the municipality for 24 years as both a councillor and mayor and was deeply involved in Spruce Grove's minor baseball program as a coach, manager, and rep director. In partnership with Stony Plain and Parkland County, his work led to the creation and growth of the Spruce Grove Whitesox AAA program, which would lead to the foundation of the current Parkland Twins program. 

"His passion for the game created opportunities for players at all levels," reads a commemorative statement at Diamond #4 at Henry Singer Ball Park. "A strong advocate for community development through sport, he championed and supported the expansion of major recreational facilities across the city. Significant upgrades to ball diamonds, along with new facilities for football, gymnastics, ice sports, and pickleball, helped position Spruce Grove as a desirable community for families seeking a high quality of life with healthy, active lifestyles."

In addition to having a baseball diamond named after him, Houston was also honoured with an Award of Excellence in Community Service in 2026. He presided over the City of Spruce Grove as mayor from 2007 all the way until 2021, when he announced he would not be running again.

During his time as mayor, the city saw its population double while adding a number of major developments.