For several seasons, Meadows Place Baseball (MPB) has requested approval from the Parks & Recreation Department to add fence guards to the top of the fences (the yellow piping), for both Majors & Machine fields. MPB is an established youth baseball program that provides boys and girls ages 4 – 13 of all skill levels the opportunity to play baseball.

This spring season (2010) the City agreed to add this protective measure to the fields, which supports our mission to keep our players safe and to avoid the potential for injury. MPB welcomed this gesture and was encouraged by the City’s support to provide a safer environment for our children. However, recently the City contacted the league and reminded their expectation is to have the fence guard removed at the end of the season. Furthermore, stated in future seasons that the fence guard would only be allowed on the Major’s field and not on the Machine field.

This petition is being presented as the residents of Meadows Place voice, which supports the benefit and protection factor of the fence guard to help ensure the safety and well being of all children that use the ball fields. We are requesting, on behalf of our children that the fence guard remain all year long and not just during baseball season.

It is our position that this measure will help to ensure added safety, visibility, reduce player injuries and beautify the park. It is our position that the recently added fence guard was a great move on behalf of the City of Meadows Place to help ensure the safety and well being of all children that use the baseball fields. The fence guards effectively cover the exposed top rail of chain link fencing that is often ragged and sharp. Exposed sharp edges of chain link pose an especial hazard to outfielders that are often times running backwards to catch a fly ball. Using a protective cap to cover the top rail of the fence protects our young players from injury. The guards also add visibility to the fence, providing an extra level of safety to the young players preventing collations with the fence. These attractive covers also enhance the look of our park area.

By signing this petition, we are requesting that the City changes its position on removing of the fence guards during the off season of baseball. We would like to see this added protective measure remain in place on both the Majors & Machine field all year long, as these fields are open year round for neighbor children to use. We believe keeping our children safer should not have an off season.

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