At the August Leitchfield Tourism and Convention Commission meeting, Parks and Recreation staff outlined a package of maintenance and improvement projects at the city sports complex and described operational challenges ahead of fall seasons.

Trent Vanmeter, who identified himself as the sports program director, told commissioners the spring sports season had ended and the department faces an ongoing shortage of umpires and volunteers that stretched schedules and contributed to a delayed season finish. Vanmeter said about 120 children have signed up for fall ball; roughly 30 additional registrants were refunded because they could not be placed safely into divisions that would field at least three teams.

Vanmeter described planned work at the hillside complex: installing shade structures over spectator bleachers and concrete pads, adding rentable fans near concession areas for heat relief, building a bin for spare ground material (sand and dirt), improving the batting cage floor (currently rock), and addressing drainage where water collects behind the first-base dugout on the back softball field. He said roughly half of the proposed work is already budgeted for the year and that Tammy and Scotty helped include items in this year’s budget. Vanmeter said the drainage issue can be addressed this fall when rains are lighter; staff will work with Public Works to redirect water into the nearby creek.

Commissioners discussed tree planting on the hillside to provide shade and act as a barrier to foul balls; Vanmeter said some spots could be suitable this fall. He said he will monitor canopy placement (pop-up tents) rather than ban them outright, and asked for staff help to manage safety concerns during tournaments. On the batting cage he said, “It’s pretty rough on the baseballs…we’re going to come up with something to put down there,” and added that any additions must “look like it belongs out there.”

Vanmeter also described the junior pro basketball program and upcoming winter activities: signups in September and a season-start jamboree on Nov. 1. He concluded by thanking commissioners for support and noting planned maintenance in October.

No formal votes were taken on the field work at this meeting; commissioners noted budgeted items and asked staff to coordinate with Public Works on construction timing.