01-25-21 handout from Tim StalterThe Fate of Atlantic Beach Softball
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What's Going On?
City Manager Shane Corbin has recently approved ABAA to add sod and a pitcher's mound to
the infield of the only softball field in Atlantic Beach. These changes will preclude girls' softball
from being played in Atlantic Beach whether for league play, pick-up games, or practice. He
believes that since there is very little interest in softball league play there is no reason to
maintain the softball field in Russell Park. This decision should be in the hands of the city
commission. According to the Atlantic Beach Code of Ordinances Part I Article II Section 9
Number 14 in order to make a structural change to a public park there needs to be a unanimous
vote of the entire city commission.
Why Keep Softball?
Ultimately, the reason to keep the softball field is that it is fair. Softball has been a growing and
expanding sport in the United States. In Tokyo 2021 it will be an Olympic Sport, there are now
professional leagues, and there are more and more scholarships available for softball players.
By taking this field away you are denying the young girls in Atlantic Beach the opportunity to
participate and enjoy this growing sport. The argument Mr. Corbin makes, lack of league
participation, is irrelevant. Russell Park is home to amenities such as tennis courts, racquetball
courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields. None of these amenities are required to host league
play, why is the softball field being held to this double standard?
Solution
If ABAA wants another baseball -only field, they can use the existing baseball -only field in
Donner Park. It has similar dimensions as field B (softball field) in Russell Park. Mr. Corbin
believes that if softball would return to Atlantic Beach, Donner Park's baseball field could be
turned into a softball field. If Donner Park isn't a suitable location for boy's baseball, why would
it be a suitable location for girls' softball? By the way, girls' softball never left Atlantic Beach. It
only left ABAA.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Amelia Stalter