By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Efforts to provide more soccer space in Bowling Green have scored a goal with funds now available to erect a fence between the fields and Haskins Road.
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Board approved field use policies Tuesday evening, and learned that a fence will be constructed to separate the fields from the nearby road.
Four of the 20 acres just south of the community center have been turned into “pristine game fields,” said Kristin Otley, director of the parks and recreation department.
Those fields were planted with grass last year, so the grass should be hearty enough for play this fall.
“We do expect them to be in good shape for fall use,” said Tim Stubbs, park facilities coordinator.
Stubbs said the original plan for the athletic fields did not include funding for a fence along Haskins Road. However, there is money in the budget this year for a fence, he said.
“That’s basically to keep kids from running out into the road and keep balls from bouncing out into the road,” he said.
Otley said the fence is necessary.
“I totally agree,” she said. “I will personally sleep better tonight knowing that fence is there.”
The fence will be vinyl covered black chain link – the same type that surrounds the swimming pool in City Park. A sign reading, “Bowling Green Athletic Fields” will be posted on the fence, Otley said.
One issue remains, and that is the city code which limits fences close to roadways to four-feet in height. Stubbs said he plans to take the issue to the zoning board of appeals and ask for a variance.
The policies approved by the board for use of the fields state that the space is designed for sports such as lacrosse, rugby, soccer and volleyball. The site will be used primarily as a game field site for various sport leagues and tournaments. Upon approval of the parks and recreation department, the fields may also be used for sports camps or clinics.
The policies document gives the parks and recreation department the first priority for scheduling and usage of the fields. Groups that partner with the department will have top priority, followed by sanctioned clubs/organizations with a non-profit status, and then for profit organizations.
The fields may only be used with approval from the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department.
In other business, the park board:
- Approved additional gym rental rates that are lower during off-peak times at the community center.
- Heard the Building on Nature project at Wintergarden Park was going well, with much of the structure work complete. The building will be used for maintenance equipment and public restrooms.
- Learned the work on the existing building in Wintergarden Park will be prioritized to update the public meeting area and the kitchen. “We’ll be stopping at that point and see where the money takes us,” Stubbs said. If funding allows, the restroom wing and office wing may get improvements.
- Got updates on the focus groups held for the park master plan. Two remain, with one on May 11 about active parks, and another on May 18 about the future of the district. The focus groups are held at the community center at 7 p.m.
- Learned that 16 ornamental trees had been planted in Simpson Garden Park.
- Heard a question from Lynn Ackerson about the city’s land use plan calling for the lease of the golf course land to the BG Country Club to be revisited. It was suggested that the final focus group would be an ideal time to bring up that topic.
