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Rec association asks board to expand community access to school ball fields and raise perimeter fence
Summary
Steinhatchee Stingray Rec Association told the board it has raised $30,000 and seeks a raised fence and easier weekend access to ball fields currently reached through school gates; the board asked facilities staff to evaluate safety and legal concerns and report back.
The Steinhatchee Stingray Rec Association (SSRA) asked the Taylor County School Board on April 21 to allow greater community access to ball fields behind Steinhatchee County School and to raise the perimeter fence so families can use the fields without staff unlocking gates.
Danielle Nord, an SSRA board member, told the board the volunteer nonprofit has raised more than $30,000 for local recreation projects and that parents and small children currently find it difficult to use the district fields. She said SSRA installed a batting cage and that parents currently sometimes jump the fence to access the field.
Board members and district staff responded that SSRA already holds a facility-use agreement and a key for after-school access, but the board raised safety and liability concerns for open access during school hours and noted existing perimeter fencing heights (staff described a 6-foot perimeter around school grounds and a lower 3–4 foot fence between the field and school). The board directed facilities staff — Mr. Anderson and Mr. Bray — to assess options and return with a report the board can consider, and a board member said the district’s attorney should be consulted on liability and compliance with state safety rules.
SSRA offered to fund part of a fence improvement; board members expressed support for finding ways to increase community recreational access while protecting campus safety. The board asked staff to bring information back at a future meeting.
