To Coach Big Mike;
Look Coach, I'm not trying to be a "know it all" kind of guy and realize I can come off that way at times. I apologize if it seems that way. The topic is a good one for debate. Your comments are noted. My responses may appear sour. My attitude comes from frustration at times due to my involvement in the game for soooo many years. I've fought the fight. I did not win. My fight went beyond my local/regional involvement ranging from a parent trying to make a difference, coaching at all levels, to actually running for public office twice. I spent a term on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association national board. I have heard the conversation behind closed doors and it can be scary what the "powers to be" would want if they could get it.
There are a few excellent TD's out there that have gone the extra mile----------for the kids. Locally, West Liberty Force organization in West Liberty, Ohio (I'll withhold names of leaders and members that I truly respect) bought/ were involved in the purchase of temporary fencing that is used at times in Lion's Club Park. That's on fields that were designed for and still used for slow-pitch softball as well as fastpitch. A prime example of a club/lodge working with unpaid volunteers to do the right thing. These lodges, clubs, and organizations are almost always non-profit. In many cases, people pay dues to be a part of the membership. They pay for the hat so they can volunteer. Most have a recreation committee of some sort and almost always are looking for ways to give back to the community---------and our youth. There's more to them than the underbelly or image some inherit from private clubs with selfish motives.
My point is; you are more likely to get the understanding and help from a club or lodge than a public facility------or a privately owned complex.
I am aware of an individual that personally bought and donated plastic fencing and posts, enough for 2 fields, to a community park (not my community lol). All this in preparation for a fastpitch tourney a club planned to host and rented the facilities for a weekend. The fencing was donated to the park and never put up. When I inquired why, I was told it was not used because they didn't have the zip ties to connect the fencing to the posts. Numerous tourneys have been held over the years and to my understanding the fencing was never used. Last I checked years ago, nobody knew where it was. Lost--------never put up. Plenty of excuses tho........
The Fastpitch Softball world needs people with passion to carry the torch for the sport. Honestly, this game should be one of the most popular sports in the world for today's young ladies for a variety of reasons. Boycotting a park for reasons because the park doesn't suit your needs to the tee will not work. Shaming them won't work. Even trying to reason with them won't work if the people in charge don't care---------about fastpitch. Be careful, the fields might disappear...............