The town council just confirmed the new field project is officially moving forward. We won. I will keep everyone posted on the construction schedule as it develops.
September 26, 2015
Final supporters
For several years there has been a problem with the small softball field in Springdale causing troubles for a strong softball presence in the area.
Several dangers get involved every time there is a game, as shown on the satellite image from google maps. Many children and adults regularly visit the playground all summer months, walk to school, play on the two tennis courts, and minor soccer uses the field almost every night of the week in the summer. A big issue to most parents in the area, is the chance of their children being hit hard with a flying softball. Another concern is their vehicles parked around the field. The stadium and manuel hall also hold high volume events which force many people to park near the field. With limited parking for the high traffic of the area many people are forced to park very close to the field. Damage to the school and several vehicles have occurred in the past.
There is also a concern of many residents living on the side of the softball field. They have softballs flying on their vehicles, houses and in their gardens. For some houses on recreation road this is a weekly occurrence to hear a softball landing on the roof.
Besides the big safety benefits of a new field, another big benefit to be considered is the economic value to the community. With such a small field it is nearly impossible to host any mens tournaments in the area. With many softball teams all over the island, if a new field was in place several tournaments could be held bringing many people to Springdale.
There is a mens league in Springdale which has great numbers and would love to host many tournaments in Springdale. Several community members and businesses have offered their time and help if a new field was to be considered. There are a few areas in Springdale limits some of the mens league team believes would be great potential areas for the new ball field.
Updates
July 7, 2015
The momentum behind this is incredible. It is clear the community is ready for a safer space to play.
Reached 100 supporters
July 7, 2015
58 Comments
Today, in the playground parking lot a softball came out and hit my car! It was inches away from coming in my window and hitting someone and only feet away from the playground and hitting some kid!
Also, the field is technically not possible for use. In order to host a NSA tournament (which would bring 7-9 teams to the area) there needs to be a field to play on of at least 275 feet. (NSA rule 2 - the playing field)
I`m not sure when you lived in the area Niki but due to advanced bats and softballs (SPN approved) it causes hits often 300 feet or longer. The ball also has much more pop then wooden and aluminum bats used in the bats and if someone was to be hit by a ball it could be lethal. Thanks for your input!
Great idea. I've played ball on this field for years. Seen alot of near misses and broken glass. Also the field could be used for hosting entertainment events aswell as some more parking during summer and winter sporting events.
Towns of similar size, Botwood and Lewisporte, have two fields in a sensible area so they can accommodate tournaments. The Ross Paul Memorial tournament in Botwood raises thousands of dollars a year for local charities and youth scholarships. Representatives from all branches of government in the area recognize the efforts of the Paul family and attend/provide support.
Im a softball player and this is a field that needs fixed.
yes
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
The town council just confirmed the new field project is officially moving forward. We won. I will keep everyone posted on the construction schedule as it develops.
September 26, 2015
Final supporters
For several years there has been a problem with the small softball field in Springdale causing troubles for a strong softball presence in the area.
Several dangers get involved every time there is a game, as shown on the satellite image from google maps. Many children and adults regularly visit the playground all summer months, walk to school, play on the two tennis courts, and minor soccer uses the field almost every night of the week in the summer. A big issue to most parents in the area, is the chance of their children being hit hard with a flying softball. Another concern is their vehicles parked around the field. The stadium and manuel hall also hold high volume events which force many people to park near the field. With limited parking for the high traffic of the area many people are forced to park very close to the field. Damage to the school and several vehicles have occurred in the past.
There is also a concern of many residents living on the side of the softball field. They have softballs flying on their vehicles, houses and in their gardens. For some houses on recreation road this is a weekly occurrence to hear a softball landing on the roof.
Besides the big safety benefits of a new field, another big benefit to be considered is the economic value to the community. With such a small field it is nearly impossible to host any mens tournaments in the area. With many softball teams all over the island, if a new field was in place several tournaments could be held bringing many people to Springdale.
There is a mens league in Springdale which has great numbers and would love to host many tournaments in Springdale. Several community members and businesses have offered their time and help if a new field was to be considered. There are a few areas in Springdale limits some of the mens league team believes would be great potential areas for the new ball field.
Updates
July 7, 2015
The momentum behind this is incredible. It is clear the community is ready for a safer space to play.
Reached 100 supporters
July 7, 2015
58 Comments
As a parent, the softball location NEEDS to change. My son and I spend many hours at the playgrounds in town but rarely use the one closest to the softball field for fear of my child being hit! This needs to change for everyone's safety!
Today, in the playground parking lot a softball came out and hit my car! It was inches away from coming in my window and hitting someone and only feet away from the playground and hitting some kid!
Also, the field is technically not possible for use. In order to host a NSA tournament (which would bring 7-9 teams to the area) there needs to be a field to play on of at least 275 feet. (NSA rule 2 - the playing field)
I`m not sure when you lived in the area Niki but due to advanced bats and softballs (SPN approved) it causes hits often 300 feet or longer. The ball also has much more pop then wooden and aluminum bats used in the bats and if someone was to be hit by a ball it could be lethal. Thanks for your input!
Great idea. I've played ball on this field for years. Seen alot of near misses and broken glass. Also the field could be used for hosting entertainment events aswell as some more parking during summer and winter sporting events.
Towns of similar size, Botwood and Lewisporte, have two fields in a sensible area so they can accommodate tournaments. The Ross Paul Memorial tournament in Botwood raises thousands of dollars a year for local charities and youth scholarships. Representatives from all branches of government in the area recognize the efforts of the Paul family and attend/provide support.
Im a softball player and this is a field that needs fixed.
yes
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
As a parent, the softball location NEEDS to change. My son and I spend many hours at the playgrounds in town but rarely use the one closest to the softball field for fear of my child being hit! This needs to change for everyone's safety!