Like buying a brand new convertible but facing a forecast of rainy weather, the West Liberty Ball Association is anxiously waiting to debut its new turf field at Dodge Park amid the concerns over the coronavirus and a pending parks and recreation levy.
“I know there is a lot of things up in the air right now, but at some point this year we are going to host an event on our new turf field,” said WLBA president Matt Hull on Wednesday. “It’s the first turf baseball field of its kind in this area, and we are looking forward to showcasing it. We just have to be a little patient right now.”
Through a donation by Jeremy LeVan of LeVan Excavating, an artificial turf infield has been installed on Field 2 at the village’s Dodge Park. Hull said finishing touches are being made this week.
A 1.15-mill West Liberty Parks and Recreation Levy, which was to appear on Tuesday’s ballot, would provide lighting, among other park perks, to the three fields at Dodge Park.
However, with the polls being shut down Tuesday because of safety concerns, the lighting project is in limbo a bit.
“The levy has nothing to do with the turf project,” said Hull. “The levy is essentially for the lights. The village has said they will light one field regardless of what happens with the levy.”
The big question now is when local youth baseball and softball players will be able to hit the fields. Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation Superintendent Kris Myers said earlier this week that his organization is in a holding pattern regarding the start of practices. Hull said the WLBA is taking a similar approach.
“At the moment, we are still holding to a date of April 1 to start practices,” he said. “The Logan County Ball Association abides by the Little League International guidelines and they are saying no games should be played prior to May 11. The softball preseason tournament has been canceled and I would expect that the T-ball and coach pitch tournaments will be canceled as well, but that is not yet official.”
In the meantime, Hull said he is working on a plan to disperse some instructional videos to players so they can practice at home.
“It’s a difficult and frustrating time for everyone. We are just trying to make the best of the situation,” said Hull.