Empty ballparks, quiet bleachers and deserted locker rooms haunted La Pine, Oregon as La Pine Park and Rec Department announced earlier this week that it was canceling all youth sports, community-wide, due to safety issues and threats. The Parks and Rec would not provide any specific information to news outlets about what instance sparked the cancellation.
A board member for Park and Rec said to Central Oregon Daily News, “Safety of our staff and our volunteers is paramount, and at this point that should take care of the harassment too.”
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The decision was immediately met with outcry from community members, especially those involved in school athletics. The cancellation did not affect the middle school or high school sports, but coaches from both schools worried that cutting youth sports could affect the future of their teams.
Then, in less than 48 hours, youth sports were reinstated. In a series of decisions that could give both parents and players whiplash, the South Oregon Sports Alliance (SOSA) has stepped in and taken over operation of La Pine youth sports.
SOSA is made up of volunteers dedicated to preserving the youth sports programs in La Pine with no interruptions. In just a few short days, the group has already acquired the necessary insurance and maintained the coordinators from the Parks and Rec.
In a Facebook post, SOSA said, “If this community is really about the kids, then it’s time to put any differences aside and work together to ensure these kids continue to play, learn, and grow. Let’s not let anything stand in the way of their success on and off the field.”
Deren Ash, board member, said that under new leadership, “Football will continue and future sports, basketball, baseball, will be run by those nonprofits at the park and rec facilities.”
