Georgetown Youth Baseball Association plans new fields amid growing demand for sports facilities

Georgetown's Parks and Recreation plans are taking shape as stakeholders gather to discuss the future of local sports facilities. The Georgetown Youth Baseball Association (GYBA) emerged as a key player in the meeting, highlighting their operation of seven baseball fields and their need for more age-specific fields to accommodate growing participation.

With GYBA reporting around 800 enrolled league members per season and Georgetown Soccer boasting a record 1,300 members, the demand for sports facilities is clear. The discussion centered on the need for flexibility in field usage, particularly for 8 and 10-year-olds, as GYBA indicated that younger age-specific fields are not necessary. This insight will influence future designs, focusing on creating more fields for older age groups.

The meeting also addressed the current state of San Gabriel Park, which includes a 3/4-mile loop and various sports fields. The park's infrastructure, including parking and concession facilities, is under review to enhance visitor experience. Currently, there are over 700 parking spaces, but demand continues to exceed supply, prompting discussions about expanding capacity.

A significant concern raised was the impact of hydrology on the park's development, particularly in phase 4, which lies within a floodplain. This factor will shape the types of recreational facilities that can be developed in the area.

As the design process moves forward, city staff and stakeholders are collaborating to explore various layouts for the park, ensuring that the needs of the community are met while maximizing the available space. The outcome of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping Georgetown's recreational landscape for years to come.