Red Bank Softball Association is not only losing players, by mid-summer the organization may also lose its home fields due to pending construction of a new middle school on the current property behind the high school.
"The biggest question is where are we going," Red Bank Softball Association president Allen Bickford asked Red Bank commissioners Feb. 15, requesting to know where the program will play after June 9. "It's monumental to know."
Bickford said he needs to be able to tell the players so they will stick with the program. The program normally enrolls 200, but Bickford said he estimates enrolling 100 players this season.
Red Bank Commissioner John Roberts said he understands Bickford's frustration. Roberts said the Red Bank Softball Association is one of the premier softball programs in the area. He said he hopes the program will gain more players.
Red Bank City Manager Chris Dorsey said construction of the new Red Bank Middle School behind RBHS is still pending approval from the United States Department of Interior. If the new school is built there, then the softball program would be relocated to another area in the city.
Commissioners told Bickford that the fields inside White Oak Park could be used for softball.
Bickford said it would be difficult to go from playing on four fields to two fields.
"The fields need lights, fencing, concession stands and parking," said Bickford. "We did get some lights donated."
Bickford said the White Oak Park fields belong to the city of Red Bank, so it will be up to the city to prep the fields.
Red Bank Vice Mayor Greg Jones said he would like to take small steps to upgrade the White Oak Park fields.
SIGN UP FEB. 25
The final day of softball sign-ups for ages 4 to 15 is Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind Red Bank High School.