The baseball fields at the Durant Multi-Sports Complex were named the Rick Mote Legacy Baseball Diamond in honor of Mote, who served 47 years with the Parks and Recreation Department until his retirement in April.
Ryan Brewer, parks and recreation manager spoke to the council about Mote’s dedicated service to the city.
Brewer said Mote began his work at the age of 20 as a temporary worker and within six months, transitioned to a fulltime employee.
“Throughout his career, he had two major responsibilities, shaping and maintaining ball fields for 20 years and later began mowing all of the right of ways, easements and floodplains for the remainder of his career and in his off time, the off season, he shaped and built ball fields,” Brewer said. “So, he literally and figuratively helped build the parks and rec department for several generations and generations to come. Rick Mote actually played a key role in holding the first tournament at the (sports) complex in 2008, maintaining and shaping and bringing those fields up to standards. He loved everything that he’s done. He’s put in so much work, and I’ve only had four years of working with him, but I knew he was my one employee from the get-go that there was no questioning of whether or not he was doing a good job.”
Brewer said it’s hard to imagine the parks department without Mote.
“So, in recognition of Rick’s contributions, unbeknownst to him, I would like to propose naming the baseball hub of the Durant Multi-Sports Complex the Rick Mote Legacy Baseball Diamond,” Brewer said. “This space is home to four baseball fields representing the heart of Rick’s early work within the city and he took pride in shaping and maintaining fields for the community. Naming the hub in his honor is a meaningful way to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the legacy Rick has built throughout his nearly five decades of dedication, hard work and service to the City of Durant.”
The council approved Brewer’s request and Mote was presented a replica sign that was signed by council members and city employees.
Mote thanked everyone who was involved with naming the ballpark after him.
“I made 47 years, but I didn’t do it by myself,” Mote said. “It took help and support from the co-workers and the bosses. Then there was family and friends on the outside of the job that I couldn’t have made it without. As far as I know, 47 years is fairly longer than anybody ever worked for Durant.”
Tucker said, “That’s awesome. I don’t know that anyone’s going to touch that record anytime soon but you know, the challenge has been made, I suppose.”
Lost Street Brewing Company received a proclamation from the city, recognizing the microbrewery for winning a World Beer Cup gold medal for their Scottish ale.
Owner Scott Dewald, family members and employees were present for the proclamation.
Tucker, read the proclamation that stated a panel of 265 judges from 37 countries evaluated 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries and cideries across 49 nations.
“Whereas, Lost Street Brewing company was crowned best in the Scottishstyle ale category for their Stoneykirk Scottish ale,” Tucker said. Now, therefore, I Martin Tucker, mayor of the City of Durant, Oklahoma, do hereby recognize and congratulate the Lost Street Brewing company on receiving the 2025 World Beer Cup Gold Award.”
Dewald said they are honored to be able to make great beer in Durant.
“I will tell you right now, it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for some really great people on city staff,” Dewald said. “Public works, everybody else that helped us get up and running, thank you because it was a big effort and we finally got all of our permitting done which was not as arduous as some would think. So, we really look at this as a partnership with the City of Durant and we now have world-class beer here and it’s certified, so thank you all.”
In a social media post later that evening, the brewery said, “Tonight we had the honor of receiving a proclamation from the Durant City Council recognizing our very own Stoneykirk as a World Beer Cup Gold Medal Winner. We’re incredibly grateful to the City of Durant for their support, encouragement, and hometown pride. This recognition means the world to our team. Brewed with heart, served with pride, and now officially world-class, Stoneykirk is on tap. Come celebrate with us.”
Brewer gave an update on the Durant Sports Festival that will be May 29-June 28. The city says the festival, that includes many events, is a celebration of community, wellness and recreation that transforms the city into a hub of athletic excitement and family friendly fun. There will be a rugby tournament June 28.
According to Brewer, from looking at the anticipated numbers, it is going to have a large impact on the city with about 40 events that he anticipated will draw up to 22,000 guests and participants. These events include the Durant Riding Club rodeo, Magnolia Festival 5K run, a golf tournament and the Durant Lions Club car show. There also will be scuba training, pickle, ball, Wiffle ball and buddy ball. He said the age range for the different events is age 1 to senior citizen.
“There is no one in this city or around this area that doesn’t have something to do,” Brewer said. “We’re anticipating around 455 hours or recreation and wellness in the city during that time and our biggest draw is we were lucky enough to get Texoma FC, the professional soccer team out of Sherman/ Denison area to come up and host a camp and a tournament. So, the participants will have a chance to meet professional athletes. On the last weekend during the rugby tournament, we got word that a two-time Olympic gold medalist is actually participating in the tournament this year. As a city, we’re hosting four events all together, so it’s going to make a pretty big impact as long as weather holds out.”
