As Douglas County grows, parents of young athletes say they need more fields for their children to play on. They are concerned that potential renovations to the Douglas County Fairgrounds could make the problem worse.
Brad Wright, Parker’s father and volunteer youth league coach for his daughter’s softball team and his son’s baseball team, said, “The extreme lack of field is a concern when it comes to practices and games.”
“He’s tough on me, but he’s fun,” said Wright’s son, Austin.
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Austin and his 11-year-old teammates noticed the impact of their limited field.
“Sometimes when you have practice, other teams come and have to share the same time as you,” Austin said.
Wright said the team travels long distances for games and deals with frequent cancellations.
“There will be fields that will be empty or canceled, so we will have to scramble to find another field. Practice will be canceled to make room for the game. The game will always be the priority. Deaf,” Wright said.
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Weather has caused many cancellations in Colorado. Wright says that makes the problem worse when there are very few fields and many are natural grass.
The shortage also limits the number of children who can participate.
“We’re currently keeping our kids away from things that keep them out of the house and away from electronic devices. If other areas were available, kids would really have more options. “Yes,” Wright said.
Douglas County is considering renovating the fairgrounds to expand the space for the county fairgrounds. One possibility being considered is moving the rodeo arena to the area currently occupied by the fairgrounds ballpark, effectively eliminating the ballpark.
Concerned about losing three lighted fields, local youth sports leagues are appealing to parents to contact county commissioners and oppose that option.
“Right now I’m writing a letter and composing a letter,” Wright said.
Commissioner Laura Thomas said if they decide to move the arena, they would build the field elsewhere. She proposes building some at Wildcat Sanctuary Regional Park in Highlands Ranch.
Thomas said sales tax funds extended by voters two years ago and earmarked for the park could be used to build the fields.
“I think we need more space for families to enjoy what so many of us moved here for: the outdoors,” Wright said.
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Mr Wright hopes a new field will be installed that will be multi-purpose, has lighting and is a space lawn.
Wright said youth leagues are also challenged by a lack of volunteers and increased costs. Wright said fees associated with playing have increased by 25% to 30% in the last year.
“Less fields, fewer resources, more kids who want to play, higher prices. All of this is leading to a bad scenario for kids. The fact is, kids who want to play should be able to play,” Wright said. Ta.
Scheduled to discuss the future of the venue live at City Hall on Thursday, May 16 at 6pm, Cllr Thomas said consultants would present a master plan outlining various options. Many youth sports parents say they plan to get involved and make their voices heard.
Here’s how to participate in City Hall:
- In-person at 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.
- Online: douglas.co.us/townhall
- Call 833-380-0668 or answer the phone if the county calls just before 6 p.m. To sign up to receive calls, visit douglas.co.us/townhall.
