City To Potentially Pass On Hosting Major Amateur Softball Tournament

Pompei Park IThe Glendora Community Services Commission may vote Thursday to recommend the city pass on the chance to host a major amateur softball tournament this summer at Pompei Park due to scheduled renovations and lack of funds.

The ASA Western National “B” Tournament, scheduled to run from July 27 through August 3, would bring 40 teams from around the western United States to the Louie Pompei Memorial Sports Park, 1100 S. Valley Center Ave. However, scheduled installation of artificial turf on one of the park’s fields and the current operating budget is insufficient to provide for anticipated expenditures to host the tournament, city staff said.

Scheduled installation of artificial turf on field No. 3 will start in mid-April and is expected to last through mid-August, city staff said.

Construction may also cause water service and electricity for the entire park to be cut off periodically as well as a potential limit in parking spaces, lack of accessible restrooms, traffic issues caused by construction equipment and possible air quality issues.

Anticipated expenditures include renovations for all four fields, daily field maintenance, possible equipment and personnel needed for infield maintenance; repairs and paint needed for dugouts, backstops and rails in the park; and costs for on-site staffing needs.

The Glendora City Council will need to review and approve this potential project, though an approval would need to be done by this month, city staff said, to allow for adequate planning and preparation.

Without firm cost estimates and the time frame needed for approval, hosting the ASA tournament would not be realistic, city staff said, adding that hosting the tournament in 2016 would be a better option.

The proposal for the city to host the tournament was delivered by the Glendora Lassie League.

The Community Services Commission will discuss this item in greater detail at their meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 116 E. Foothill Blvd.