West Plains Parks & Recreation Department

To all players, families, and coaches,

We want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we prepare for the upcoming youth baseball and softball season. We also want to be transparent with you about the current situation and what we’re doing to move forward.

In April, our fields suffered significant flood damage. As a city department, we’re required to follow a public bid process for repairs, which takes time. We have now received the bids to repair the fencing and are moving forward with that work. At the same time, we’re doing everything we can to get the fields into playable condition so we can have a season this summer.

That said, the fields will look and feel different this year. Although they will be playable and safe, they are not in the condition we want them to be in, and this is not how they will stay. This is a temporary solution just to make sure the kids get a season. We know it’s not ideal, but it’s what we need to do right now to get games played.

While the season is going on, we are actively working on long-term solutions. That includes:

– Reviewing and comparing bids for turf infields at Hilburn

– Reviewing bids for traditional dirt field upgrades

– Evaluating needed dirt work at the Evans Complex

– Weighing costs, durability, and maintenance needs of both turf and dirt options

– Considering what’s best for the parks, the city, and the budget over the long term

– Our goal is to make smart, lasting improvements that serve the community well—not just now, but in the years to come.

For this season, due to the condition of the fields and lack of proper drainage, even a small amount of rain may lead to postponed games. We usually schedule 8 games with a guarantee of 6; given current conditions, we plan to schedule 6 games and will do everything we can to get them played.

Please note: There will be no practices allowed on the game fields this season. They will be reserved strictly for games to help preserve them as much as possible. Teams will need to find alternate practice locations.

At this time, our estimated season start date is June 9th. Our staff is working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready and safe.

We also want to update everyone on Adult Softball: It is currently on hold while we continue gathering and reviewing bids for repairs to those fields. Once those bids come in and we have a clear timeline, we will move forward with planning the adult softball season. Our intention is to complete the field repairs before the adult season starts.

We want everyone to know: we hear you, we care, and we are doing everything in our power to give the kids a great experience this season—while also planning responsibly for the future.

Thank you again for your support and understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the fields soon.

— West Plains Parks & Recreation Department