Parlier volunteer coaches seek field repairs and support as travel teams draw players from neighboring cities

Coaches and volunteers for the Sen Cal Panthers youth softball program asked the Parlier City Council on March 6 for assistance improving Veterans Park fields, safety repairs and scheduling support so the teams can host travel tournaments and free clinics.

Laura (last name not given), a Parlier resident and volunteer, introduced the coaching staff and asked the city to help make fields safe for players and visiting teams. “We want to be able to represent and have a field that we can be proud of, and that’s going to be safe for the girls to play at,” she told council. The Panthers have expanded to field both 12‑under and 14‑under teams and have recently won tournament championships, coaches said.

Mark (coach), who identified himself as head coach of the 12‑U team and a coach for the 14‑U team, described hazardous conditions at Veterans Park: a water leak in left field that forces the team to avoid that area, broken pipes behind the field, and lights that are out. He said those conditions limit practice and create safety hazards for players and spectators. The coaches asked the city to help with repairs, and to support fundraising efforts such as a snack bar.

Council members and staff thanked the volunteers, said they appreciated the program’s community contributions and agreed the city should follow up. Council asked Bertha (public works) and the recreation coordinator to contact the coaches and coordinate dates for use of the fields, and to assess and address the reported leaks, broken pipes and lighting outages. Coaches also asked for help scheduling free clinics and outreach to younger players; the city noted it can work with the recreation coordinator to schedule clinics on non‑tournament days.

Coaches said the program draws players from surrounding communities and provides opportunities for scholarships and community engagement; volunteers said they aim to host free clinics for ages roughly 8 through high school and to offer ongoing practice opportunities for league and tournament play. Council members asked staff to follow up with the coaches to schedule inspections and to prepare a plan for repairs and volunteer coordination.