This year is shaping up to be a normal year for the Parks and Recreation Department in the City of Salem. When the board met March 22 Parks and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois gave a report to the board, explaining plans for 2021.
ALICE LOU CRAIG MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL
The pool will be business as usual, hours will be the same or similar to past hours, that’s noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. DuBois stated that they had no intent of increasing the entry fee at the park this year. The prices will remain $4.00 for children and $5.00 for adults. Concessions will continue to be available; in addition to the usually available grub, they will be beginning to include a few more nutritious items to the menu as a part of the Eat Smart at the Park initiative at concession stands around Salem’s parks. YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS
This year, DuBois has implemented a new method of online registrations and payment. That’s the best way to register for sports, however, it’s still possible to go into the office to fill out a registration form and pay in person as well.
BASEBALL, T-BALL AND SOFTBALL
Registration is open for summer T-Ball, Softball, and Baseball for youth ages 3-14. There are different divisions for developing ball players.
• T-Ball, ages 3-4, begins an athlete's journey of learning the basics, fielding, batting, running bases, and teamwork.
• T-Ball, ages 5-6, builds on the basics and becomes more of a competition while still learning the game. Both T-ball divisions are co/ed.
As the players progress in age and skill there are different levels of play:
• Coach Pitch (7-8 years old)
• Machine Pitch (9-10 years old)
• Minor League (11-12 years old)
• Junior League (13-14 years old)
It is recommend signing up in the child’s age division, but if parents feel the athlete is advanced in their knowledge and skill level they are allowed to play up in a different division. Youth may not play below their age level.
Registration closes April 9 for summer ball. Registration fee is $25.00.
SOCCER
Registration for Soccer has already closed and the season is in full swing.
OTHER SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
DuBois stated that popular sports like basketball, flag football and cheerleading (which was new in 2020) will return this year. To find out when registration for those events will be available, people can check the website. Also, there will be a banner at the Bank of Salem facing the four-way-stop, indicating that the appropriate season is open for registration.
COACHES NEEDED
DuBois indicated that there is a need for people in the community to volunteer to coach. There are a lot of kids and teams and not enough coaches. Previous seasons have even made it necessary for the same people to coach multiple teams in different age categories. DuBois believes that keeping kids active is extremely important.
“I think getting involved in sports is a great way to teach character and teamwork and get them interested in being active,” she said. “They have a lot of interest when they are really young, as they get a little bit older they’re starting to drop off. So, my ultimate goal would be increasing that participation as they age.” Coaches can help foster that sort of participation.
PARK BOARD POSITION OPEN
Stan Podorski, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board resigned at the meeting. His resignation will go into effect April 5.
“I do appreciate all the hard work that you guys have done,” said Podorski. “We got a lot accomplished in four and a half years,” he said. “Ray (Walden) and I went over some things that we still need to get accomplished, but we couldn’t have done it without the park board,” said Podorski. “I really appreciate all the support you guys have given me.”
Mayor Brad Nash will appoint a new member to the board, if approved by the Board of Aldermen, then the Parks and Recreation Board will elect officers at the next meeting.
City Administrator Ray Walden addressed the board, “If you all know of anyone that might be interested, please have them reach out to Brad (Nash),” he said. “Brad would welcome the input about who might be interested.”
Board members must reside in the city limits of Salem.
