Sunnerville Girls Softball reports growth, scholarships and field upkeep costs to commission

Darcy Schlu, recreation supervisor at the San Rafael Community Center, presented the Sunnerville Girls Softball (SRGS) annual report to the Park and Recreation Commission on March 25.

"We have an agreement with Sunnerville Girls Softball to use, exclusively, Bernard Hoffman Field," Schlu said, noting the partnership has been in place since 1997 and the current agreement runs through June 30 (renewal discussions ongoing). Schlu said SRGS serves roughly 850 athletes across ages pre‑K to 15, and that this season’s registration rose about 20% compared with last year.

Schlu described SRGS’s scholarship program: "They have 18% of their participants are on full scholarship," and said families are encouraged to contribute about $10 during registration to support scholarship funding. The organization provides free clinics, scholarships and more than 50 volunteers who donate roughly 1,300 hours for field maintenance, coaching and program operations.

SRGS estimates annual field maintenance and material costs at about $20,000 — for dirt, clay, fence and netting repairs and equipment — while the city’s parks crew handles mowing and irrigation. Schlu said SRGS is planning upgrades including covering four dugouts and adding additional shade at the fields.

Commissioners thanked the presenter and voted to receive the report. Staff said the long partnership and the club’s volunteer contributions have supported field care and enabled accessible youth programming.

What’s next: The commission received the report and did not take additional action at the meeting; staff and SRGS continue partnership discussions and potential field upgrades will be considered as part of capital planning.