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Board opts to pilot August kickball, schedules fall soccer and baseball windows
Summary
After reviewing a community survey and debating heat and turnout risks, the North Vernon City Parks Board agreed to pilot a four-week kickball series starting Aug. 10 and to schedule soccer beginning Sept. 7 and baseball/softball around Sept. 21, with registrations to open soon.
The North Vernon City Parks Board debated when to run fall recreation leagues and ultimately agreed to pilot a short kickball program in August as a revenue-generating trial while preserving a true fall window for other sports. Staff presented survey results showing 39 respondents and roughly 36 expressing interest in playing; members expressed concern that August heat would suppress participation for baseball and softball and recommended a mid-September start for traditional fall leagues.
"If we're going to run this, it's got to be decided very soon," a board member said while urging prompt registration and sign-up outreach. After discussion members described a timeline: a kickball pilot starting the week of August 10 for four weeks (ending the week of Aug. 31), soccer running roughly Sept. 7–Oct. 1, and baseball/softball starting around Sept. 21. Board members discussed league length (four to six weeks plus a concluding tournament), minimal uniform expectations (T-shirt or single shirt rather than full uniforms), staffing for supervision and umpiring, and registration fees in the $10–$15 range for initial offerings.
Staff said they will open registration for the pilot quickly and then open baseball/softball signups in sequence. The board emphasized the need to avoid overlapping leagues that would force kids to choose between programs and to time the fall window so families have settled into school schedules.
The board did not formalize a motion that included precise fee structures or staffing assignments; staff was directed to proceed with sign-up logistics and return with registration materials and recommended fee levels.
The board generally favored running a single format in the August slot (kickball or baseball/softball) rather than both simultaneously to maximize participation.
