Ontario ─ To consolidate youth sports events in Ontario, the city will reduce three softball fields to one at Stowell Park by spring next year. Playground equipment will be installed to serve residents in the area.
Park Committee of Ontario City Council had a discussion on Wednesday about adjusting and improving the use of Stowell Park and Marshall Park. Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson said the city will only keep one field at Stowell Park and place a swing set and climbing apparatus for local kids.
He said the city will buy the equipment this year and install it next spring.
Ontario Youth Sports director Kenn Spencer said with programs running on both parks, family members sometimes need to “split apart” to be at the scene at the same time. He is looking forward to bringing everything to one location.
Spencer also said Stowell Park has lost a lot of its glamour over the past few years.
“There’s a lot of sentimental value out there for a lot of us … that our kids grew up playing there. But there’s a generation of kids playing now that don’t have that same feeling,” he said.
He mentioned that he has been talking to WMFD about installing WiFi at the park. He wants to further that conversation to installing hot spots. When kids come in the afternoon, they can first do their homework on their Chromebooks.
“Especially right now, it would be incredibly handy for those kids to be able to do that,” Spencer said.
The park committee also discussed how to upgrade Marshall Park by building walking trails or other facilities. Councilman Dave Rehfeldt suggested developing a three-year plan for parks because they are the number one asset for Ontario. The plan will help the city figure out the money it needs to put in budget each year.
With COVID-19 case numbers growing, Hutchinson announced the change for this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting in the City Council meeting. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. on December 3. Instead of sitting and letting children sit on his laps, Santa Clause will be walking around.
Ontario recreation director Heather Hendrix said cookies and hot chocolate will not be provided due to the pandemic. But 300 bags of Goldfish crackers will be distributed.
Starting next year, the city’s trick or treat will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on the last Saturday of October, Hutchinson said. In case there is a weather issue, the city will decide on Friday before the event if it needs to be moved to Sunday at the same time.
Hutchinson said the “crazy weather” on Halloween in recent years forced the city to reschedule the event, including this year. Holding it on Saturday would also give families more time to get their children ready.
