Marion REC stays busy this summer
Sports reporter
Marion baseball/softball complex groundskeeper Terry Edwards said the Marion REC season went well for all participants, but there was one major reason it was nice the season came to a close.
"We finished right before the heat came," he said.
But the heat was on for much of the summer as teams packed players, coaches, and fans at the park in high numbers.
"As far as participation, most nights we were full," Edwards said. "We had more teams [this year] in the age brackets."
Margo Yates, recreation director for the City of Marion, was happy to see the high number of participants.
"That was great for local families," she said. "But it also meant more expenses."
Some of the expenses were cut down because the baseball/softball booster club, not affiliated with the REC, used volunteers to work the concession stand. The money from food and drinks went straight back into the park for upkeep and improvements.
Also, for a $20 donation, booster members had their names listed on a sign at the park, and anyone who donates will be able to attend the annual meeting and lend suggestions for how the money should be spent.
"Volunteer help in the concession stand was appreciated," Yates said. "The booster money raised will continue to help purchase new equipment and continue to help fund improvements."
Baseball and softball weren't the only activities going on in the past year for the REC.
Traditional classes such as dance, swimming, gymnastics, even Taekwando, have been offered, and an elementary basketball league, junior wrestling, and a soccer league are right around the corner.
However, other non-traditional activities such as a mechanic's class, pottery class, canyon hike, and more will be available as well.
During the summer, baseball and softball take up most of the REC schedule, especially when either Yates or Edwards are at the ballpark every night.
"We've been complimented by out-of-town teams for being so accessible," she said. "That is not always the case in other towns."
The dedication from everyone involved with the REC program to community members is what keeps all of the programs alive. But Yates said it's the volunteers who deserve a lot of the credit.
"Without them we can't do it," she said. Yates was referring to coaches and parents who help on their own time, but she even praised the umpires.
"We can't forget them," she said with a laugh.
Now that the hectic time that comes with baseball and softball are over, it's time to relax.
"It was a good season," Yates said. "We're looking forward to next year. Now it's time to move on to round ball."
Well, at least for a little while.
