Post by 204parent on Jan 23, 2007 11:01:59 GMT -6
Interesting article about the shortage of baseball fields in the area. Something for all the "NO" voters to think about.
Naperville youth baseball cries foul over field
By Sara Hooker
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Naperville Baseball Association leaders want to know why, after nine years, their players might not be able to use the Neuqua Valley High School freshman baseball field this summer.
The association relies on the south Naperville field as the location for about 50 games each summer, said leader Larry Letkewicz, who spoke on behalf of about 20 parents and organizers who appealed to the Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school board Monday evening.
Leaders say they were informed last fall by the Neuqua Valley athletic department that the association would not be able to use its field but said they were not told why.
The uncertainty has delayed registration and could force cuts to the program, leaders say.
“We just can’t get an answer,” organizer Michael Landek said prior to the meeting. “These are the kinds of things that affect public trust, and we think it’s an important issue.”
Superintendent Howard Crouse said a decision hasn’t been made either way as the district waits on the Wildcats’ summer scheduling and other issues.
“There are some timing things that have to be worked out,” Crouse said prior to the meeting. “The basic problem is that there are not enough 90-foot baseball fields in Naperville and there are more and more groups wanting to use them.”
Unlike the softball fields, which are park district property, the baseball fields are owned by Neuqua Valley and officials there can decide how they are used, Crouse said.
The Naperville Baseball Association serves about 1,200 players ranging from 13 to 18 years old. The Naperville Park District organizes play at fields at Naperville Central, Naperville North, DuPage River Park and Neuqua Valley.
The senior division, ages 15 to 18 years old, would be most affected if the Neuqua field were not available. Of the 536 participants in that age group, as many as 30 would have to be cut, Landek said.
“We’re going to have to reduce the program in some way,” Landek said. “Being one field short makes a big difference. It’s 50 less games that are able to be played.”
Crouse said he doesn’t know when a decision regarding play on the field could be made, but said he’s willing to meet with association leaders.
“Much like we have to do with our basketball courts, we have to balance the available fields with the demand that exceeds the amount of time available,” he said.
Naperville youth baseball cries foul over field
By Sara Hooker
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Naperville Baseball Association leaders want to know why, after nine years, their players might not be able to use the Neuqua Valley High School freshman baseball field this summer.
The association relies on the south Naperville field as the location for about 50 games each summer, said leader Larry Letkewicz, who spoke on behalf of about 20 parents and organizers who appealed to the Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school board Monday evening.
Leaders say they were informed last fall by the Neuqua Valley athletic department that the association would not be able to use its field but said they were not told why.
The uncertainty has delayed registration and could force cuts to the program, leaders say.
“We just can’t get an answer,” organizer Michael Landek said prior to the meeting. “These are the kinds of things that affect public trust, and we think it’s an important issue.”
Superintendent Howard Crouse said a decision hasn’t been made either way as the district waits on the Wildcats’ summer scheduling and other issues.
“There are some timing things that have to be worked out,” Crouse said prior to the meeting. “The basic problem is that there are not enough 90-foot baseball fields in Naperville and there are more and more groups wanting to use them.”
Unlike the softball fields, which are park district property, the baseball fields are owned by Neuqua Valley and officials there can decide how they are used, Crouse said.
The Naperville Baseball Association serves about 1,200 players ranging from 13 to 18 years old. The Naperville Park District organizes play at fields at Naperville Central, Naperville North, DuPage River Park and Neuqua Valley.
The senior division, ages 15 to 18 years old, would be most affected if the Neuqua field were not available. Of the 536 participants in that age group, as many as 30 would have to be cut, Landek said.
“We’re going to have to reduce the program in some way,” Landek said. “Being one field short makes a big difference. It’s 50 less games that are able to be played.”
Crouse said he doesn’t know when a decision regarding play on the field could be made, but said he’s willing to meet with association leaders.
“Much like we have to do with our basketball courts, we have to balance the available fields with the demand that exceeds the amount of time available,” he said.
