The Soldotna Little League will receive a boon from the City of Soldotna in the form of a $50,000 donation for the upgrade of multiple failing structures at the Little League fields.
For over 30 years, Soldotna Little League has served the community as a platform for local youth to learn, grow, and foster a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship. However, as a result of aging infrastructure, certain aspects of the baseball and softball complex have deteriorated and pose safety hazards. Specifically, the dugouts need replacement, and safety protection barriers for the top of the fences on all fields require upgrading.
Thus, in an effort to help offset the costs associated with upgrading and maintaining these city-owned structures, SLL appealed to the city council for financial assistance.
Little League President Kieth Pieh addressed the city council, both to explain the scope of the repairs and rebuilds for which the $50k is intended, but also to speak to their necessity to the community. “As a volunteer youth sports organization, we couldn’t provide this opportunity to our kids without all of your support. Not only will these improvements benefit Soldotna Little League, but it will have a direct impact on Soldotna High School Baseball, Soldotna High School Softball, and the American Legion baseball team.”
Several other members of the community and Little League came forward to beseech the council to approve the donation ordinance.
Unsurprisingly, the ordinance passed by a unanimous vote, but the vote wasn’t enough for several council members, who thanked Pieh and the Soldotna Little League for their service to the community and invited the organization to return more often for funding.
“This is a city-owned property, and we are incredibly fortunate that we have your organization to continue to develop it and prove it and just take care of it,” said Councilman Jordan Chilson. “If that organization was not there taking care of [the Little League fields], it would fall on our city-run Parks and Recreation department to bear the cost of running that.”
Chilson called the donation a “steal of a deal,” considering everything the Little League does to maintain the property.
Opening ceremonies for the 2024 Little League season are on May 18. Visit the Soldotna Little League website for more information.
