The City of Milton Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) meeting on December 20, 2024, featured a significant discussion regarding the expansion of baseball facilities in the community, highlighted by a passionate appeal from Ryan Lee, a representative of Hopewell Baseball.

Lee addressed the board, emphasizing the growth of the Hopewell Baseball program over the past decade, which has seen participation increase from approximately 400 to over 800 children. He expressed gratitude for the board's consideration of adding four new baseball diamonds at Deerfield, a move that he believes aligns with the community's needs.

The current lack of adequate space for baseball activities has led to a concerning trend, with 15 to 20 percent of players leaving Hopewell for private leagues due to insufficient facilities. Lee pointed out that many children quit playing baseball altogether by age 14, underscoring the urgency for more dedicated baseball fields. He argued that multi-use fields are not a practical solution for baseball, as they compromise safety and fairness for the growing number of players.

Lee's comments highlighted the importance of providing dedicated spaces for baseball, particularly for older youth players who struggle to find available fields amidst competing sports like lacrosse and football. He concluded by reiterating the community's support for the proposed new diamonds, which would significantly enhance the availability of baseball facilities in Milton.

The meeting concluded with no further public comments, leaving the board to consider the implications of Lee's appeal and the potential impact of the proposed facility expansion on the local sports community.