The ongoing tug-of-war between the Dunwoody Senior Baseball (DSB) organization and the Dunwoody City Council over the use of the baseball fields at Brook Run Park has reached a new level of contention. As the city seeks to increase public access to the fields, the DSB officials argue that this move would severely impact their revenues and restrict their programs. The debate has highlighted the delicate balance between community sports and public access, with both sides adamant about their respective positions.

Unlocking the Field: A Clash of Priorities

Damage Control: The Cost of Free Play

The DSB officials have raised concerns about the damage and mess that occur during the current free play time slots at the fields. They claim that the fields are being used primarily by adults from outside Dunwoody for soccer, leaving the DSB to clean up the aftermath. Weiner, the DSB president, stated that the organization has had to address issues such as trash left around the facility and damage to the fences, including a windscreen that was "intentionally torn" and will cost around $14,000 to repair.

Restricted Revenues and Program Offerings

The city's proposal to further increase free play time at the facility has DSB officials worried. Weiner expressed that this would mean a reduction in program offerings and revenues for the summer program, stating that it would affect 25% of the summer games, which would be "devastating" for the organization.

A History of Resistance

This is not the first time DSB officials have resisted sharing the fields beyond their home-grown programs. In 2020, a plan to give equal treatment to athletic associations using the city's public fields had DSB reeling at the idea of losing its responsibility of managing the fields. In 2021, the council approved a facilities usage agreement with the Atlanta Mens Adult Baseball League (Atlanta MABL), a metro area men's baseball league, to use the baseball fields, despite DSB's objections.

The Softball Saga

The issue of girls' softball programs accessing the fields has also been a point of contention. In 2022, the council approved a facility agreement that would allow girls' softball programs to use the fields, despite DSB members stating that including a girls' program would cripple the baseball program. During the recent council meeting, Councilwoman Stacey Harris challenged DSB's claim that they have "always been supportive of girls' softball," stating that the city had to "make you accommodate girls' softball."

Transparency and Accountability

Another point of discussion was the lack of financial information in DSB's presentation to the council. Councilwoman Harris noted that the organization's budget is typically submitted to the city each quarter, but it was not included in the report. This raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the DSB's operations.

Safety Concerns and Liability

The discussion also touched on safety concerns at the fields. DSB officials expressed a desire to partner with the city to install protective netting along Barclay Drive to protect passing cars and spectators, which is estimated to cost around $65,000. However, this expenditure was not included in the city's proposed 2025 budget. Councilman John Heneghan expressed concern that the council had not been informed of this safety issue, stating that it could potentially expose the city to liability.

Balancing Priorities and Finding Solutions

The ongoing debate between the DSB and the Dunwoody City Council highlights the complexities of managing community sports facilities. While the city aims to increase public access, the DSB is concerned about the impact on their programs and revenues. The council has acknowledged the need to address safety concerns and maintain transparency, but the path forward remains uncertain.As the city and the DSB navigate these challenges, it will be crucial for both parties to find a balanced solution that serves the broader community's interests while also supporting the DSB's efforts to provide quality sports programs. This may require open communication, compromise, and a willingness to explore creative solutions that address the needs of all stakeholders.