Neven Conrad calls it his labor of love.

The Fort Dodge lawyer has returned to his roots, embracing his newest volunteer venture as a co-caretaker and Teener League director at Patterson Field.

“The atmosphere there brings you back to a simpler time,” Conrad said. “The music, the lemon shake-ups, and the occasional chicken dance … all intertwined with America’s pastime. You cross through the green gates to the field, and life’s worries and cares dissolve.”

“For a couple of hours, each individual in attendance travels back in time to their own nostalgic memories. Life is busier these days, and we need to slow down and take in those moments.”

Art Johnson, the long-time grounds and maintenance supervisor at the iconic south-side complex who also became tournament and Teener League director following Patterson’s death in 2012, retired this past offseason. The 36-year-old Conrad, with the blessing of the Patterson family, the transitional guidance of Johnson and the support of the Fort Dodge Baseball Association, rolled up his sleeves and began working on a new era at the field alongside Mike Archibald.

“We’re just a team of people trying to make it happen this year,” said Conrad, who pointed to Johnson’s patience and advice throughout the process and Archibald “taking the reins and doing a ton of legwork this summer.”

Conrad is no stranger to volunteer work. The 2007 St. Edmond graduate, who also attained degrees from Iowa Central Community College (2008), the University of Northern Iowa (2010) and JD Drake Law School (2013), has worn many hats since his return to Fort Dodge: city council member, UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge board of directors member, Fort Museum and Frontier Village board member, FDBA vice president and tournament director, Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee member, and RAGBRAI — Fort Dodge executive committee member, among other roles.

“I always knew I wanted to come back,” said Conrad, who currently serves as the magistrate for Humboldt County with a law practice near downtown Fort Dodge. “This is the community where I grew up, and it’s always supported me. I recently had an individual I used to coach — who continues to further his education and growth — tell me that a speech I gave to graduating seniors on the impact of returning home and giving back to a community that has given us so much stuck with him through the years and was a motivator in his own personal decisions. It’s that ability to make connections and bring about those impacts that make this place our home.

“Through the varying roles that I have been lucky enough to have throughout the years, what stands out the most about Fort Dodge is the people which make up our community. Whenever there is an individual in need, Fort Dodgers step up for each other. My wife and I are happy to