Local officials are calling for the Collegedale Recreation Association to prioritize youth through its spending.
In recent months, several parents have expressed frustration about the rising cost of registration for children to compete in the association's youth softball program, said Collegedale Commissioner Ethan White.
Doug Crabtree, chairman of the rec association, said in a followup interview that the entrance fee for the youth program has increased a total of $10 over the last two years, with an increase of $5 each year.
Though commissioners noted during a workshop meeting last month that Collegedale's softball league is one of the least expensive local options, White said many parents choose the city's program because they can't afford to play in other leagues, making the increased cost a deterrent for some.
Adding to the frustration, White said parents are often forced to spend additional dollars on equipment the association does not provide.
"It puts parents in a rough spot when their kids are wanting to play and they can't afford cleats for them," White said. " The parents are being forced to buy helmets, they're being forced to buy bats that run $300 to $400 a piece."
Crabtree said he hadn't heard any complaints from parents.
"At this point, I haven't heard any of those comments," said Crabtree. "We're in touch with a lot of our parents and we haven't had any feedback along those lines. So I'm not sure where that's coming from."
Each year, the Collegedale Recreation Association receives about $19,000 from the city to rent fields for its youth and adult softball programs, said Traci Bennett-Hobek, director of Collegedale's Parks and Recreation Department.
During the 2017 season, $11,200 of those dollars were spent on rental fees for the youth program, and $8,600 was spent to rent fields for the adults.
"That's where my concern comes," said White. "There's $8,600 that could be attributed to the youth association, where they're forcing parents to start paying for equipment and things like that."
White, who umpires for the adult league, added that many of its players are not Collegedale residents.
Commissioner Phil Garver cautioned against "micromanaging" the association as it tries to serve as many people as it can, and pointed to the economic impact those visiting adults have on the city.
In 2017, nearly 30 tournaments were hosted at the Summit Softball Complex in Ooltewah, said Bennett-Hobek. Since 2015, the Summit has seen 1 million visitors annually, added Kelly Martin, Collegedale's director of planning and economic development.
"And in 2015, those people had a lot fewer options to stay and shop and spend money in Collegedale," Martin said, referencing the new SpringHill Suites hotel on Old Lee Highway and six new restaurants brought to the area since 2016.
City Manager Ted Rogers said the issues with the association's distribution of funds could likely be addressed through communication between the two bodies. He said he would meet with representatives from the association to express that the city's desire is for the $19,000 to ensure that children's needs are met before directing dollars to adults.
"We're not trying to dictate, but our intention on bringing this money is to focus [on the children], and if those needs are met, then use as you see fit - that's the message we want to send," Rogers said.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.