The Village of Waterville will open Babbott Field to organized groups looking to conduct youth sports.
During last week’s two-and-a-half hour meeting, the first hour was spent by Waterville Village Board members discussing the pros and cons of opening up the village-owned park to users. Youth groups such as Waterville Pop Warner and AYSO have asked to use Babbott because the Waterville School District facilities are closed by state executive order.
Waterville varsity softball players, who missed their spring season, are playing in a league in Ilion and have also used the field for practices.
Trustee Brian Bogan initiated the discussion, saying the village should either set guidelines or close it for everything. During the closures starting in mid-March the village has allowed people to use the walking path and the playground re-opened in June.
Most recently Pop Warner has been using the field outside the ballfield for a twice-a-week conditioning program. Softball scrimmages have been going on a few times a week on the ballfield.
Bogan said AYSO has asked to use Babbott for its summer camp, usually done at Waterville Junior-Senior High fields. Bogan referred to the guidelines set out by the state’s athletic association for schools to require social distancing when not…