After a recent youth baseball tournament held at John Blackwell Fields, a/k/a the Lee Sports Complex, it wasn't the wins or losses fans were talking about at tournament's end. Rather, it was the condition of the fields and facilities during the tournament.
But a Thursday meeting organized by Russellville Mayor David Grissom was designed to make sure “everyone was on the same page” moving forward with the mutual goal of making Russellville's facilities the best they can be.
Teams from several states came to Russellville to participate in a USSSA baseball tournament last weekend. Parents and spectators complained about the field conditions as well as the condition of the bathrooms and concession stand throughout the event.
The complaints spilled into social media, where a slew of comments expressing disappointment to outrage followed the original post of Tamara Hester, whose son plays Dixie Youth and USSSA baseball, described conditions at the Lee Complex she called 'a disgrace.'
“People were literally shin deep in grass, having to leave to use the bathroom and literally players tripping over the step up from the dirt to the grass on the field,” Hester posted. “I understand that obviously children's sports are not a priority for the city of Russellville but at least take pride in what it looks like when people do come to play every weekend,” she added.
Hester and others say the field conditions at Lee and Hal Kirby, Jr., fields have been sub par all spring. Hester said she wasn't trying to attack anyone personally with her post. Rather, she wanted to call attention to what has been an ongoing problem.
“I'm not sorry about what I said because it's the truth but I am sorry some people felt attacked by the post because that was not my intention at all,” Hester said.
Grissom met Thursday with interim Parks and Recreation Director Leaman Mosley, employees Jackie Bradford, John Carter (both of whom recently came out of retirement to help the Parks and Recreation Department) and Carrie Dover, city clerk Belinda Miller, Carla Trapp and Brian Hamilton with Dixie Youth Baseball and Parks and Recreation Board members Brandon James and Kevin Stone.
“All the key people were there,” Grissom said. “There was some confusion about this past weekend but we've got to turn the page. I'm confident all sides have turned the page and are ready to move forward.
“Russellville has two former players contributing to Auburn's baseball team. We want our kids from T-ball up to have the best opportunities they can have through their time in high school and to excel to the best of their abilities,” Grissom added.
The Russellville City Council approved a contract that began January 3, 2018, with Cory Trapp, d/b/a Precision Turf and Sports Fields, to perform landscaping and maintenance work at the city's recreational ball parks and facilities, including the Hal Kirby, Jr., Park, John Blackwell Fields a/k/a the Lee Complex, Southside, Eastside Park, Chucky Mullins and Tom Strange Field.
Under the contract terms, the city provided the necessary equipment for Trapp to landscape and maintain the fields, including clay, infield dirt conditioner, sand, seed, fertilizer, plants, chalk for base lines, paper products and bathroom supplies including necessary cleaning supplies.
The contract called for Trapp to ensure the fields are “in top playing condition” for the season.
Trapp received $950 for each two-week period under the contract terms. The contract runs through December 31, 2018, but had a 30-day termination option for either party. Trapp, according to city officials, turned in his notice to terminate the contract earlier this month and was no longer working when the USSSA tournament took place.
With Mosley, Bradford and Carter working for the Parks and Recreation Department, Grissom said there was more than 70 years' experience working for the people of Russellville.
The city is accepting applications for the permanent Parks and Recreation Department director through June 30, 2018.
Hamilton said Thursday's meeting was productive and he has confidence that city officials want to see their facilities in quality condition.
“I definitely think the meeting was good. The city is committed and the Parks and Recreation Department employees are committed to improving youth sports in Russellville,” Hamilton said.
“I'm excited about what the future holds for Russellville youth sports. I know some actions already taken are major steps in the right direction,” Hamilton said.
