WEST SEATTLE ASSOCIATION

News on the Diamonds

Donations help WSAPWB

We've had several extremely generous donations made to WSAPWB for which we are extremely grateful.  These donations total over $2,000 that will be devoted to many field maintenance items that have been our "Wish List" for several years.  Thanks to these donations, we have purchased a new lawn mower to replace the previous one that was showing its age and becoming a maintenance issue.

The WSAPWB Board would like to extend special thanks to Bob Rebar for his donation of matching funds that got the ball rolling.  We would also like to thank Dave Meucci and Paul Devine for taking up the challenge and gathering donations in the West Seattle community.  Don Goodwin and Mark Ledbetter have also made contriburtions toward specific needs for which we are grateful.

The Board would also like to extend our gratitude to Tim Jergens of LC Jergens Painting for repainting the league sign at the entrance to the fields, and to Merlino Construction for donating the use of machinery for Field Cleanup Day.  Rick Nelson and Rob Salle helped coordinate this with Merlino Construction, and Rob spent Friday and Saturday at the fields running equipment to get them in shape.

There are still many projects on our list that the remainder of the funds will go towards, such as:

1.  Replacing the home place on A-South
2.  Fixing the irrigation system on A-South and B-North by locating and repairing/replacing faulty solenoid valves.
3.  Replace the bases on as many fields as possible.  Most of the bases on the fields have been there for at least 6 years.  New safety bases are $260 per set.
4.  Finish replacing/repairing the fince poles and ropes on the North fields.  Pole kids are approximately $180.
5.  Repair/replace the chalk liners - they are showing their age.  Costs on these range from $80 to $300+.

The league has always been reluctant to institute mandatory fundraising as part of enrollment, and donations like these help immensely.  But there are always projects to maintain the fields and equipment that require more funds than can be allocated from the budget.  We are examining several voluntary fundraisers that we could propose to teams and parents as a means to generate the funds needed.  If you have a suggestion or would like to help coordinate this effort, please contact a board member or your coach.

2007 Field Cleanup Day

This year's Field Cleanup Day was a great success thanks to all of the people that turned out. Despite the poor weather forecast, we had one of the best turnouts of volunteers that we've had in the last four years. Much was accomplished during the day: the infields were cleared of leaves against the backstops, weeds pulled, garbage and other debris was removed, and all the outfield fencepost holes were marked. Hot dogs and soda were provided for those hardy souls that braved the cool temps and breeze to volunteer their labor.

The fields are looking as good as they ever have prior to Opening Day, and the Board would like to extend it's warm thanks to all those who attended!