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Shuttles needed at the Little League fields

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  • Originally published April 16, 2009 at 4:30 p.m., updated April 16, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.

Editor, The Advocate:

This is the first letter I've ever written to the Editor, but this is a very important issue, not only to me, but I think to a lot of Victorians.

I've had Little League players for the last 50 years, first sons and then grandsons. This is my grandson's last year of Little League, and I've been anxiously waiting for this beautiful field to open in time for me to enjoy it this year. For 50 years, when you hear that first crack of the ball hitting the bat, or visa versa, I've been one of the most ardent fans at the park from March to June or July, depending on playoffs. I live for these games.

We have a big problem. The fields are beautiful, and I love them, but even though walking is one of the best forms of exercising, some of us can't make that distance from the parking spaces, which are filled, to the fields.

I believe that where there is a problem, most of the time there's a solution. I'm just not sure what that solution might be. Is there some way we could have the carts like they use at Citizens Medical Center shuttling the elderly or handicapped? This suggestion might be way out in left field. I don't know what the answer is, but, please, can we at least think about some sort of solution? I'm sure there would be people willing to volunteer their time to operate the transportation.

I have a handicap sign for parking, but those spaces are quickly filled and won't help us. Please understand that I'd almost crawl if necessary to get to those fields.

I have two very strong passions in my life. First is my Bible study group, and second, the Little League games. I can take care of the first one, but I need your help on the second one.

I talked to the director of Parks and Recreation. He was very courteous and took the time to listen to me. He said, of course, there are no finances available at this time to do anything. There's going to be a lot of elderly grandparents and handicapped people that just aren't able to get to the fields; therefore, they will be missing one of the highlights of their lives.

I'm not going to address the lack of a P.A. system. I'll leave that one alone.

Dorothy Koch

Victoria



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Comments

  • Loveourmilitary Loveourmilitary Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    I have to give kuddos to the City for this absolute beautiful ball park that Victoria can be so proud of. But it does need some fine tuning. The idea of golf carts is a great one. Maybe we can find another sponsor like each field has and have them donate carts with their name on a nameplate. It can be done like it is in the Detar Parking Lot where they travel around and pick up those who need transport. Ditto on the bathroom situation even for the players. The little ones always seem to have to go at game time (no matter what!). Down the road maybe one small facility at each area. I'd rather see that money spent here than on the sidewalks downtown....oh goodness, don't get me started on that again! Great job Doug Cochran and those who have helped.

    April 17, 2009 at 12:10 p.m.
  • victoriagirl361 victoriagirl361 Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    I agree. My nephew plays at those fields and it's sad when you have to park in the skate park parking lot because of the parking spaces being filled so quickly.. and oh man, talk about TRAFFIC JAMS... There is a lot of walking.. and maybe... somewhere there can be some more bathrooms?? Maybe... it's hard for a pregnant woman like myself to have to go to the restroom really bad and walk all the way to those restroom... if we had the transportation the extra restrooms wouldn't be needed... but you know..

    And I agree on the tennis courts... no one uses them.. but that doesn't mean we don't need them... just maybe move them??

    April 17, 2009 at 11:12 a.m.
  • Austin Austin Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    Another problem I see, there are tennis courts in the middle of the parking lot. This adds to the extra walking for the people that don't get around to well. Is there any way possible that they could move the tennis courts? It is a beautiful facility, but the parking is lacking.

    April 17, 2009 at 10:52 a.m.
  • N4796V N4796V Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    I got an idea: Maybe someone could contact the Riverside Park and the country club to see if they have some carts they are getting ready to replace that are still in good shape!

    That's not a bad idea--is it?

    April 17, 2009 at 10:35 a.m.
  • N4796V N4796V Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    I totally agree with Ms. Koch. I am not handicapped, but it is a long way to walk to the fields. I feel the money could be found somewhere, through donations, fundraisers or what have you.
    I would volunteer my time to drive one. My son plays Little League
    and I see first hand the elderly and handicapped struggle to reach the fields, often stopping to rest and take a breather. Also, there are not that many handicap spaces! The parking lot fills up very quickly, and it is hard to find a parking space ANYWHERE!

    Don't get me wrong, the complex is BEAUTIFUL and the parking is more ample than what we had at the old complex.

    As far as a PA system: let that take a second seat to "the carts."
    We need one, but first things first.

    April 17, 2009 at 10:31 a.m.