Recreation Opening Day Set

This coming Monday is opening day for baseball and softball at the Jasper County Recreation Center.

Recreation Director Wes Chester said the opening day fell on Monday this year because of how Good Friday and the spring holidays fell.

Mr. Chester reported that participation was down about 20 percent, which he attributes to the period of neglect and turmoil which the department suffered prior to his arrival.

The facility however, shows no neglect, but just the opposite, sporting new dugouts on all four fields, the field measurements having been reconstructed to conform with Dixie Youth rules, and signs prominently displayed announcing park rules. The driveway entrance to the park has also been paved and now no vehicles are allowed inside the park. Also, grass cutting time has arrived and it takes about two hours a day just to keep the grass mowed, said Mr. Chester.

Mr. Chester extended his appreciation to the many volunteers who have participated in the revitalization of the park. He also thanked the 17 $250 and $350 sponsors.
The schedule for play throughout the week will be the seven and eight, and the 11 and 12 year old baseball and soft ball teams playing on Mondays and Thursdays; the tee ball, nine and 10 and 13 and up baseball and soft ball teams playing on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Wednesday nights will be reserved for wee ball, which like tee ball will be co-ed.
There are 13 boys baseball teams and 11 girls softball teams made up of seven and eight, nine and 10, 11 and 12, and 13,14 and 15 year olds.

There are a total of 12 wee and tee ball teams made up of three and four, and five and six year olds.

The concession stand will be managed by the recreation department, and Mr. Chester reportedly has a concession stand manager hired. They plan to sell hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, nachos, and a variety of candy and beverages.
Mr. Chester added he hopes to have the other position within the department hired shortly.