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Residents urge Torrington to revisit youth-sports field fees, citing burden on volunteer leagues
Summary
Multiple residents and Little League leaders told the Torrington City Council fees, weekend premiums and three-hour minimums for city fields are squeezing volunteer-run youth sports and limiting weekend games that would bring local business. Councilors proposed a special meeting with Park & Rec to address the issue before summer.
Residents and volunteer sports leaders urged the Torrington City Council on March 2 to rethink how the city charges for use of municipal athletic fields, saying current rates and a three-hour minimum make it difficult for nonprofit youth organizations to operate.
Misty Doherty, a Torrington resident and longtime youth coach, read a prepared letter saying taxpayers already support fields through the municipal recreation budget and that charging steep hourly rates and weekend premiums treats local nonprofits like outside renters. "Youth sports are not just another revenue stream. They're an investment in our children and our community," she said, asking the council to revise the fee structure so it is "reasonable, fair, and aligned with the values we claim to support as a community."
Doherty said her summer league team spends more than $7,000 annually to operate, and that "nearly $5,000 of that is field and umpire fees," forcing games into weeknights and reducing potential weekend traffic to local businesses.
James Warren, president of Torrington Little League, echoed those concerns and asked the council to consider special accommodations for nonprofits that serve only Torrington residents. He noted Little League’s boundaries mirror the city’s and argued the organization is not operating for profit but to serve the community.
A senior council member suggested convening a special meeting with Park & Rec and interested stakeholders to air positions and seek a path forward; the mayor said he would explore scheduling such a session before the summer season.
Why it matters: Local field fees affect volunteer-run youth programs, family schedules and potential economic activity tied to weekend games. Council review could change how nonprofit youth sports are prioritized and funded.
Next steps: Councilors proposed a special meeting with Park & Rec and related parties to work toward an equitable approach to field use and fees; no vote on policy changes occurred at the March 2 meeting.
