Uncertainty remains for North Putnam Youth Football League

The council recently voted 2-1 to turn North Point Park, the practice facility for the youth league, into farmland. Doug Lairmore was the lone no vote. 

It may be football season in Putnam County, but for the North Putnam Youth Football League, there is some uncertainty after a recent vote by the Bainbridge Town Council. 

The council recently voted 2-1 to turn North Point Park, the practice facility for the youth league, into farmland. Doug Lairmore was the lone no vote. 

The decision doesn't sit well with resident Renee Wiatt, who has been vocal about the matter. 

"I was shocked with the decision of two of the three council members to vote in favor of renting the one-and-a-half acres to farm and take the access of using it away from the community. Looking at historical maps, there is no use of this section of land as farming all the way back to before 2003. I am really unsure how we got to this decision, especially with our league offering to pay what the council was wanting and also maintaining the ground. We were met with a hard no and Jerry Lints said it will be farmed. We brought many of our football players and parents, along with coaches to show support for keeping the land as a park for community use. It has been used for football, baseball and soccer," Wiatt told The Putnam County Post.

Wiatt said she is unsure if the council will listen to requests to reconsider, but noted she has heard less than favorable comments from council members. 

"I don't believe that anyone in the community but the two members of the council who voted for this change would be in agreement to change the park to a farm. As elected officials, they should be supporting the views of their constituents and they are not doing so. We should be striving for better for our kids and community. Their actions are moving us backwards and there doesn't seem to be a reason for it," Wiatt said. 

Wiatt told The Putnam County Post the two council members who voted against quizzed the youth league about its insurance and whether or not the league should even hold practice at the park. 

"Our league has had an insurance policy that, from what I understand, has been turned into the town. They also said that we should be practicing on school property, even though this isn't a school sanctioned activity," Wiatt said. 

North Putnam Schools Superintendent Dustin LeMay vows to help

While his school corporation has no say in the matter, North Putnam Superintendent Dustin LeMay confirmed to The Putnam County Post he has been working with the youth football league for a resolution. 

"They are looking at space at our schools to see what would work for them. Our school board is aware and wants to be a good partner. We are all proud of our Cougars," LeMay told The Putnam County Post. 

Wiatt said she welcomes the help and possibility of resources from the district. She said the youth football league "completely supports and appreciates" all of the efforts LeMay is putting into finding a potential space. 

"That being said, he shouldn't have to spend his time looking because we have a perfectly appropriate space to practice currently. The current park allows families with multiple aged children to practice at the same time and place. It is open where multiple teams can practice at the same time. This not only makes it easier for families, but also allows safety to be a primary focus of practice," Wiatt said. 

Wiatt said she would like to two see things from the board -- an answer as to why a decision to convert the land was made and a long-range plan. 

"I would love to see a long term contract between our North Putnam Youth Football League and the town of Bainbridge. We have offered to pay and maintain the property and were met with an answer of, "it will be farmed." It is a shame we have two members of the council who have decided without considering any other options. It is very frustrating and heartbreaking for our youth," she said. 

As for an answer, Wiatt said she is hopeful she will hear. 

"We are not getting any answers as to why. Honestly, an answer to resolve this would be great. It's clearly not money because we have offered to pay. I am not sure what the goal is other than taking opportunities away from the youth," Wiatt said.