WILMINGTON — Hoping for fields for the Blanchester youth soccer program, two supporters met with Clinton County commissioners on Wednesday asking for help.
Since fall 2014, the Blanchester Youth Soccer Organization has not been permitted to use the field it used for 21 years, which now is for sale. Presently, the youth soccer players utilize a site owned by Blanchester Local Schools, a location which is used by others besides the youth soccer program, said June Bowling, who leads the nonprofit Blanchester Youth Soccer Field Fund.
She said there’s “limited space” at the current spot for the number of participants the youth program has, and participation seems to be growing.
Her son, James Bowling, also is part of the effort to find a more permanent home for the soccer program.
“There’s a lot of excitement and demand for soccer in Blanchester,” James Bowling said. “But we don’t have the facilities to match that.”
The school district is willing to consider having another piece of school-owned land be developed as a soccer location for the youth program, according to Blanchester Local Schools Superintendent Dean Lynch, who attended the commissioners’ meeting.
June Bowling, at one point, said the Blanchester Youth Soccer Field Fund would be responsible for funding the lay-out of soccer fields, a parking lot and a driveway. So far, the nonprofit has collected $7,000, she said.
She specifically listed grass seeding, fencing and gravel as things the nonprofit is planning to get when it has enough funds.
June Bowling, who coaches soccer, said she is confident “a lot” of volunteer labor would come forward to help in the effort.
The nonprofit is a member of the Clinton County Foundation, said the Bowlings.
Clinton County Commissioner President Patrick Haley said speaking for himself, he likes the idea. Noting the commissioners have agreed to help fund a planned skate/splash park in Wilmington, he said he wants to be kept informed on the initiative in Blanchester.
From his knowledge of the matter, Haley added he would be “supportive” and will “certainly keep an open mind” on the project.
Commissioner Mike Curry said he would like to see a drawing of the project in phases, saying the rendering brought Wednesday appeared to be a “best-case scenario.”
Commissioner Kerry R. Steed said the proposal may be an example of how a countywide parks district — in which many parks in the county would be included under one administration — could be helpful by making resources and monies “available that would allow improvements countywide.”
He also mentioned wanting an opportunity to reach out, and let people know the commissioners want to move the discussion forward.
In other county business conducted Wednesday:
• Commissioners officially congratulated Martinsville Fire Department on its 100th anniversary. In the 1950s, it was combined with surrounding Clark Township, according to the commissioners’ resolution. The resolution recognizes the volunteer fire department and the Clark Township Life Squad with “many thanks for the commitment and dedication of service to the community for a century.”
• Commissioners approved seal coating of parking lots by Camp’s Asphalt Sealing at $3,165.
• They unanimously approved an update to the Clinton County Comprehensive Plan.
• Held a short executive session, requested by Steed, on the subject of security.
• Noted Dr. Maxine Hamilton has resigned as a member of the Clinton County Parks Board. Her replacement is Kate Mahaffey.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.
