Mar 1, 2016 2 min read

Athletes have some new rules to adhere to this spring before they play ball on South Strabane Township fields.

Township supervisors last week voted to approve a ballfield usage policy for its five fields at the Community, Billy Bell, Driscoll and Streator parks. Field usage will continue to be free.

“We want a fair, open and equitable manner to use the ballfields,” township Supervisor Bob Weber said.

The policy covers scheduling procedures and requirements that groups must meet, including submitting an application to request a field and providing proof of insurance.

Applications are available at the township building, 550 Washington Road and online at www.southstrabane.com.

Priority will be given to South Strabane residents and players’ ages will be limited to 10 and under.

Township officials will prepare and distribute a schedule before the season begins.

Some of the rules groups will be required to follow are: no hanging signs or banners are permitted; all trash must be cleaned up; groups are responsible for preparing the fields for use; parking will be permitted only in designated spots; and refreshments are not to be sold.

Though a fee schedule was included in a draft of the policy, supervisors voted 3-2 to remove fees. Supervisors Tom Moore and Bob Weber endorsed the fees.

“My feeling is it is not necessary to charge for teams (to use the fields),” said Chairman Jack Keisling. “It is up to them to take care of the fields.”

In other business, public works director Russ Grego said the salt shed has been completed and filled with 1,400 tons of a mixture of salt and other material.

Also, crews are beginning to fill potholes and encouraged residents to call the department at 724-225-8117 to identify locations.

Also, crews will be working to get the parks ready for the spring season.