Waynesville council approves short-term softball plan, directs Dutch Fisher restoration study

The Town of Waynesville council on a voice vote approved a two-track approach to restore youth softball after widespread public comment about damage to Dutch Fisher Field following Hurricane Helene. Council members approved a lower-cost renovation of an alternate municipal field to create a girls softball venue at an estimated cost of $350,000 and directed staff to develop firm cost estimates for restoring Dutch Fisher Field in its existing footprint.

Why it matters: Dutch Fisher has been the primary girls softball field for Mountaineer Little League for decades, and the community, coaches and parents told the council that continuing repairs are needed to avoid losing the league. The council and staff said work must balance rapid re-opening for spring play with federal reimbursement rules and longer-term flood-resilience requirements that can raise project costs sharply.

Dozens of residents spoke during public comment about the field’s role in the community. “How can we not fund our girls?” said Ashley Nesbitt, a resident who described the field as central to local girls’ sports and civic…