Parks board approves tournament directors as sports season ramps up

The Parks Board approved two tournament directors June 22, clearing the way for USA Preps and USSSA to pursue tournament dates for future seasons and to coordinate scheduling with staff.

Josh Rodesky, representing USA Preps, told the board his group has run youth softball tournaments since 2011 and seeks a recurring July event in 2027. "We've been around since 2011 running youth softball tournaments," he said, and offered that USA Preps would make a donation to the Civitan Club as part of the arrangement. The board approved USA Preps as a tournament director with dates to be worked out with staff; the motion carried by voice vote (seconded by Mr. Perry and Ms. Helman).

Daryl Smith, representing USSSA, asked for approval to operate youth baseball tournaments in the area and said his organization runs teams across multiple states and age groups. "We do youth baseball from 8U up to 14U," Smith said. The board approved USSSA pending coordination on dates and field availability; a motion was made and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Board members and staff stressed that approvals are not guarantees of specific dates. Staff said applications for calendar slots are reviewed in October–November and recurring events that performed well are prioritized; new applicants may be considered if openings arise. The board noted the volume of summer events and the attendant hotel and field‑availability pressures as part of its discussion.