Community group wins district support to pursue turf, improvements at Chiloquin school fields

Residents and Little League volunteers asked the Klamath County SD Board of Education for approval to pursue grants and fundraise to install turf and other improvements at the Little League fields at the Chiloquin school complex, and the board agreed to provide a district letter of support.

Community members described years of volunteer maintenance on the fields and said water access and upkeep make scheduling and play difficult. Jay Souza, the local Little League director, told the board the group seeks approval to begin grant applications and fundraising and asked the district for a letter of support to include with those applications. Souza said turf would reduce maintenance needs and help address the district's water constraints; the group also proposed extending a native-plant walkway along the west side of the fields.

Rita and other volunteers described the earlier community playground and a related revitalization effort that helped spur broader community involvement. Speakers noted recent improvements such as a concession stand and banners; board members and others offered fundraising ideas and cautioned about long'term naming or banner commitments. One board member recommended time-limited sponsorship blocks rather than permanent, in'perpetuity naming.

A district staff member clarified that the group's request was for approval to proceed with fundraising and grant-writing, not for the district to undertake the work. The board indicated it would provide a letter of support and confirmed that if outside partners make physical improvements they would occur on school property subject to district process and approvals.

Ending: Staff said they would provide a letter of support after the board vote; volunteers are expected to proceed with grant applications using that letter and continue coordinating with school administrators on site use and maintenance plans.