Harlan Kirgan
While the Eunice Recreation Complex is a public facility it operates under rules that preclude free use of the 10 fields off Sittig Road.
Restrictions on the use of the facility was questioned in a letter published Sunday in The Eunice News.
Robert Johnson, recreation director, said he and a committee approved by the Eunice Board of Aldermen set policy for the city’s parks.
In the case of the decade-old complex, “The facility is not necessarily open to the public to come and go as you please any time of the day or night, 24/7...” Johnson said.
The policy is to protect the fields, which are used by city-sponsored leagues and weekend tournaments.
This weekend a tournament with about 25 teams has rented the fields, Johnson said.
There are 10 fields at the complex, which include eight fields for softball and baseball and two for T-ball.
“If someone chose to drive in and vandalize the field ... it would make it extra hard to repair and have it playable...” he said.
Whenever the facility is open there is an employee or other city representative present to make sure the needs are being met and to oversee the use of the property to protect it, he said.
There are other city parks in Eunice available for baseball and softball practice, but they are not at the level of the complex fields, Johnson said.
And, the city does not have the budget to upgrade lighting and field conditions at the other parks.
However, those other parks are free for use.
A plan exits to allow use of the parks from Monday through Friday for practice, but it would carry a $25 an hour rental fee, he said. The rental plan would not be available until possibly mid-July through March, he said.
A limiting factor is the complex is also used for soccer and flag football in those months, so availability may be limited, he said.
The bottom line, according to Johnson, is city-sponsored activities take priority for use of the complex. During the week that means youth activities. There are about 650 children paying $50 each to register for baseball and softball programs, he said.
On weekends the complex is rented for tournaments. Daily rental fees are $125 per field, he said.
From the ranks of the city programs, fundraisers have been held to improve the complex, he said. Recently, a po-boy sale provided money to resurface fields, something that had not been done since the facility opened.
Eunice Recreation Committee members are Chawana Fontenot, Chris Hamous, Ryan Vienne, Willie Burson, Roger Pedigo, Tad Richard, Chad Lemelle and Mona Fruge.
Johnson said if anyone has questions about the recreation department, they may call 337-457-0027.
Opening night
The Eunice Recreation Department will hold a baseball and softball opening ceremony at the Recreation Complex on Thursday.
Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the ceremony starts at 5:45 p.m.
The ceremony will include the introduction of all teams, T-ball through 14U; live performance of the national anthem; flag-raising ceremony by VFW Post 8971 members; and a ceremonial “first pitch.”
Stadium seating is available at the first- and third-base lines.
Sausage po-boy dinners, which include chips and a drink, will be available at $5 each.
The public is invited.