A homerun for homegrown sports

Parks & Recreation, May, 2004

Although the Bluegrass State may be known for hosting horse races and big basketball games, Owensboro, Ky. would rather pitch a different recreational event--the town is the proud home of the World Series of Softball. It's this kind of national exposure that makes Owensboro a true Sportstown.

With a population of 54,000 (the third largest city in Kentucky), the Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) believes in providing quality facilities and programs for leisure fun. Not only does the department boast a softball complex with five fields, a soccer complex with 11 fields, a football complex with four fields and the only publicly owned indoor ice arena in the state, but it also owns the Owensboro Sportscenter, which seats 5,000 fans.

Although the correct facilities are important, Owensboro makes the most out of them with terrific programming. Participation, not elimination, is the focus of their youth sports leagues, where kids can begin playing t-ball at only 5 years old. In these younger leagues, no scoring takes place and every child gets to bat and field each inning. OPRD also participates in the National Alliance for Youth Sports Start Smart sports development programs. This allows parents to work with pre-school children on basic sports skills and development.

One of their unique programs focuses on getting youth involved, no matter where they stand economically. In 2002 OPRD placed vending machines at two of the city parks. The machines raise close to $9,000 every year, which in turn is placed into a scholarship fund. Under-privileged youth are then able to participate free of charge.

"We see the scholarship applicants at our camps and programs, and we like to make sure things are going well," Youth Supervisor Kerry Bodenheimer says. "So many people are grateful for the opportunity to get involved."

But OPRD does not just encourage its youth to get active--it also provides strong programs for the entire community. Besides youth programs like USTA tennis tournaments, soccer leagues, football leagues, ice arena skating schools and youth sports camps, OPRD also offers many opportunities for parents and adults to get involved.

More than 1,600 adults play softball in OPRD's programs, while another 1,500 participate in the Corporate Challenge. This program encourages local companies to send their employees to participate in 19 different Olympic-style events. The program is in its fifth year, and continues to grow.

Maybe what OPRD takes most pride in are the four national championships the city hosts each year. In addition to the National Softball Association's Men's Class E World Series of Softball, OPRD also works with the Amateur Softball Association's Men's Class C East Nationals, Baseball Players Association's World Series for 9 to 12-year-olds and the United States Sports Association's Baseball Nationals. The department estimates that these tournaments create $15 million in revenue for the city, and allows OPRD to continue to grow in other areas.

Without volunteers, however, Sturgeon says none of this would be possible.

"Our volunteers are vital," says Parks and Recreation Director Cindi Sturgeon. "What they provide to our community in youth leagues and national tournaments is immeasurable. It takes a whole community and we depend on their support."

Mix eager volunteers with national exposure, numerous youth recreational opportunities and inclusiveness, and it sounds like a recipe for a successful Sportstown.

Sturgeon says, "People here put a high value on recreation and they appreciate the benefits. They really put a high priority on sports, so we try to encompass all aspects of it."

For more information log on to www.owensboroparks.org.