Commission affirms softball league’s use of Summit Park after debate about lease compliance

Public speakers asked the Harrison County Commission on May 20 to preserve and expand Summit Park as a dedicated girls softball complex, and commissioners debated lease compliance before voting to allow continued use by the softball league.

League organizer Lynette Gang, introduced by the chair, told commissioners the original agreement promised three dedicated softball fields and said lack of electricity and restroom access had cost the league concession revenue. "I’m out there for the girls," Gang said, urging commissioners to keep politics aside and honor the original agreement.

Kenny Hall, a licensed contractor and tournament organizer, offered to donate labor and equipment to build a third field if the county supplied materials and described a recent tournament that drew roughly 1,500 people over two days. "With 1,500 people at a field in softball, you will easily spend $10 a person at a concession stand," Hall said, noting concession profits could fund fencing and maintenance.

During the agenda item on Summit Park structures, at least one commissioner criticized the lessee for failing to follow lease terms and floated returning the park to the Summit Park Association, while another commissioner asked staff to review the deed and any covenants before taking final action. The county attorney and staff were asked to check whether deed covenants would limit transferring control.

After discussion the commission voted by voice to continue to allow the softball league to use the fields; commissioners also agreed to review deed covenants and related lease documents before any permanent transfer or change in responsibility is made. Several commissioners emphasized the park is a public facility and must be managed for public use.

The meeting record shows multiple points of contact between commissioners and league representatives about utilities and maintenance; county staff said they will clarify which maintenance responsibilities remain with the county and which are covered by the lease.