Residents, players urge Lake Forest to address drop in adult softball and unpermitted programs at public parks

A resident and league player on Aug. 6 urged Lake Forest City staff to convene stakeholders to address a drop in adult softball participation and the rise of organized but unpermitted programs using public parks.

"I did form a social media group called the Lake Forest Adult Softball," longtime resident Sean Fletcher told the Community Services Commission. Fletcher said his online outreach and in-person contacts show many teams moved to neighboring cities such as Irvine, citing management and league-organization concerns. He asked the city to consider a stakeholders meeting so players, league organizers and staff can discuss restoring participation.

Fletcher…