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Pittsburg parent urges city to build mid‑size soccer complex to keep teams local
Summary
A Pittsburg mother told commissioners the area lacks mid- to full-size soccer fields, forcing youth teams to travel to Joplin. She asked the city to consider a soccer complex to host practices, leagues and tournaments and to retain local recreational spending.
Caitlin Markle of 3505 Lyons Court told the Pittsburg Commission on Oct. 28 that local youth soccer players routinely travel to Joplin because the city lacks mid- and full-size fields and adequate practice space. "There were hundreds of kids there," Markle said of a local practice and said the shortage forces teams to travel on weekends and limits local leagues for older age groups.
Markle said Pittsburg State University and other venues provide some space for practices but demand outstrips availability: "Pitt State lets us use their soccer field, but...10 or 12 teams vying for practice time before we lose the light." She urged the commission to consider a local soccer complex that could host tournaments, keep economic activity in Pittsburg and expand recreational opportunities for residents.
No formal action followed the public comment period. The commission proceeded to the consent agenda and then regular business.
