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Baseball/Softball and parking: A good problem to have

It was only a few short years ago when Youth Baseball shuttered the diamonds off Milton Avenue and joined the many other youth sports organizations at the Sports Complex on Wuthering Hills Drive. It's still a little sad to see the old facility sitting vacant with the fences now torn down but it's very encouraging to drive to the Sports Complex and see the diamonds full of players. In addition to the diamonds being full, the parking lots are full…overfull. If you build it, they will come. Yes, youth baseball and softball is healthy again in Janesville.

To say the men and women who are involved in organizing youth baseball and softball in Janesville have done a great job is an understatement. The fast pitch softball four-plex is incredible and is ALWAYS in use. The Little League and Babe Ruth fields are just as busy. One thing you see at this complex versus the old place are tournaments…and plenty of them. A director for Youth Baseball told me there is a tourney going on every weekend this year.

With all the involvement and positive response to the new facility there has been one snag and that's parking. Some visitors have found out that a park and walk is in order, while others just parked and found a ticket, courtesy of Janesville's men in blue stuck under their wiper after watching a game. Sure, there are some growing pains. That's a good thing! I'd rather read where the lack of parking is a problem than reading about how the organizations can't fill the diamonds with players. I'm certain the parking 'issue' will be a short-term problem and the focus will be back on the fields. That's where the focus belongs.

It's no wonder that at least one of the high school girls softball teams had a stellar year (Craig). The continued success of Babe Ruth tournament teams and the traveling youth teams are also a testament to the organization, parents and facility. This is a great example of a private/public venture. Youth softball and baseball is strong again in Janesville. That's the way it should be.

As for parking, they'll get it figured out. Now - PLAY BALL!

Steve Knox was born, raised and landed back in Janesville. He encourages you to participate as he writes on Janesville and beyond as this Generation X guy supports his Janesville mission, global vision. Steve is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.