Shawnee group to clean up park

BY ANN KELLEY

Published: October 15, 2008

SHAWNEE — A newly formed youth sports organization is stepping up to the plate to expand athletic programs for children.

Russ Oliver, president of the Shawnee Youth Athletic Association, said the grassroots organization is made up of members much like him — guys who want to contribute to the community they grew up in.

Oliver said when he was growing up there was Little League baseball, football and basketball, but there’s been a drastic reduction in participation by children and volunteers. During his childhood, there were about 1,300 children playing, but numbers have dwindled to about 300, he said.

City commissioners last week agreed to allow the new group to begin updating Lions Club Park until a formal agreement to use city-owned fields is approved.

Mayor Chuck Mills said he wants assurance the local YMCA and Shawnee Youth Soccer Association will not be nudged out of youth sports.

YMCA executive Tracy Mills said representatives from both groups have met and are willing to work together. It would be a natural bridge for children, she said.

Oliver said weed control, adding dirt and repair of restrooms and concessions stands needs to be started immediately.

Oliver said the repairs are merely a Band-Aid, and much more work is needed to bring Shawnee’s ballparks up to par. Teams from other cities decline to play in Shawnee because fields are so poorly maintained, he said.

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