Oconee County Little League urges increased field access to address scheduling issues

Oconee County residents are calling for improved recreational facilities as community leaders gathered for a Town Hall meeting on May 13, 2025. A key focus of the discussion was the urgent need for additional field space to accommodate the growing number of youth sports participants in the area.

Wesley Scott, president of Oconee County Little League, highlighted a significant decline in participation, noting that the league has dropped from 700 players to just 50 this year. This reduction translates to approximately 2,000 parents who are increasingly frustrated with scheduling conflicts due to a lack of available fields. Scott emphasized that while there are plenty of baseball and softball fields in the county, they are often occupied by other sports like lacrosse and soccer, leading to overcrowding and inefficient use of space.

Scott specifically pointed to Dawson Park as a potential solution. He argued that the park, which currently lacks baseball and softball fields, could be utilized for lacrosse and soccer, thereby freeing up existing fields for baseball activities. He urged local officials to prioritize the development of these facilities to better serve the community's diverse recreational needs.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing the recreational demands of Oconee County's residents, as many families are feeling the impact of limited access to sports facilities. As discussions continue, community leaders are urged to consider the implications of these requests and the potential benefits of expanding recreational infrastructure to foster a more inclusive environment for all youth sports.