Photos: Payden Park Officially Opens In Derby

DERBY — Editor’s note: Derby Public Schools and the City of Derby celebrated the official opening of Payden Park at the Leo F. Ryan Athletic Complex off Chatfied Street on Saturday, April 24.

The stunning baseball/softball field (and the state of the art field house) was financed by Joan Payden, the founder, president and CEO of Payden & Rygel, an investment firm based in Los Angeles that manages more than $106 billion in assets.

Payden’s father, Joseph R. Payden,played varsity football at Derby High School and was valedictorian of the Class of 1915.

This season is the first time ballplayers have been able to play on the diamond there. The Derby High School softball and baseball teams took on their counterparts from Ansonia High School during the first games. Ansonia won both games.

Here are photos from last Saturday’s opening ceremonies:

In this photo, Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan walks through the Derby High School baseball team’s dugout prior to their game with Ansonia.

Derby players take off their Caps for the National Anthem at the inaugural opening ceremony of Payden Park.

Jim Gildea, chairman of the Derby Board of Education, addresses the crowd during the opening day ceremonies at the new Payden Park.

In the photo below, Bev Moran, Derby softball co-founder and a former Alderwoman, throws out a ceremonial first pitch.

Joan Payden, whose philanthropy is responsible for the new playing field and field house, addresses the crowd through a teleconference.

Dr. Matthew Conway, superintendent of Derby Public Schools, addresses the crowd.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro spoke during the opening ceremonies at Payden Park.

Will Lampazzi, 10, a member of the Payden family, throws one of the ceremonial first pitches at the newly dedicated Payden Park.