Telco Baseball outlines May–July schedule; board hears about vandalism and growing geese problem

Representatives of Telco Baseball told the Narberth Parks and Recreation Board their summer schedule typically runs from mid-May through mid-July, and board members used the annual park-user meeting to confirm field reservations and identify maintenance concerns.

"...our schedule pretty much runs from the end of if you get, like, mid May to about mid July," Will Thomas, representing Telco Baseball, said, describing Delco League and Legion scheduling. He added teams play roughly 14 games and that many home schedules will include about seven home games per team.

The board heard email feedback from Melissa O’Connor of the Narberth Athletics Association (NAA) noting two issues: birds (geese) on fields and a section of fence that she said was hollowed out after a tornado in February 2003. Chair Jean asked Jeff (parks staff) whether repairing the fence would reduce the geese problem. Jeff said many geese fly in from nearby wetlands and that “we have been in contact with a few companies, but, you know, that requires a dog out here every single day to chase them off. And currently, our budget doesn't allow for that expense.”

Board members discussed noncommercial approaches and private vendors. One member suggested outreach to a local service-dog training organization to provide supervised training runs; others raised concerns about liability and public health risks. Jeff said companies exist that use trained dogs to harass geese, but cost and ongoing logistics — including biosecurity concerns such as avian influenza — were limiting factors.

On other park-use items, staff and volunteers reported that vandalism issues identified last year have been addressed and that the field has been secured. Board members asked user groups to forward schedules to borough staff; the board will collect any additional schedules and confirm accommodations with borough staff ahead of the next season.