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Chardon township park use kicks into gear
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - May 04, 2011)
Chardon township park use kicks into gear
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Chardon Township's park committee worked out the details Monday for two soccer clubs hoping to use the township's fields this year.
The committee, which met jointly with Township Trustees Monday, agreed that the township would purchase two goals and netting to serve the two clubs, known as One United Football Club and the Soccer Institute.
Their recommendation was immediately followed by a motion and unanimous vote by trustees to approve up to $3,000 for the purchase.
The committee and trustees had debated the merits of splitting the cost between the two soccer clubs but elected to have the township purchase the goals for permanent installation at the township's park at the southwest corner of Auburn and Mentor Roads.
Part of the discussion involved representatives from the One United Football Club, who offered to provide their own goals and nets for their practices and games.
Committee member Michael Doudican said representatives for Soccer Institute also have stated they would provide their own goals and nets. But those representatives also indicated that they would not share their goals with One United.
Each club is scheduled to be provided two nights every week until June for practices. Games are not expected to begin until fall, when baseball ends.
Donnie Fisher, a coordinator for One United, said that his club was willing to not only provide their own goals and netting, but also share them with the other club.
Trustee Steven Borawski said the committee may wish to establish a fee for both clubs. The total of both fees would cover the cost of the goals and nets.
Trustee Charles Strazinsky Jr. said he did not understand the need for fees for the clubs. He said none of the baseball clubs which use the public park are charged a fee for their use.
Mr. Borawski said the fee would be appropriate because both clubs are for-profit organizations. He said the baseball clubs which use the parks are nonprofit organizations and are not charged for use.
A second, smaller field, may also be used by those two clubs, but they should provide their own goals, if needed there, Mr. Borawski said.
Trustee Michael Brown said any goals put in place must be easily moved to allow for mowing of the area.
David Young, another coordinator for One United, said wheels can be attached to any of the goals so they can be easily moved by one person.
Mr. Fisher said One United has the lowest fees of any soccer club in Northeast Ohio and offers a free foot skills training to anyone interested. He said the club is also offering a 25 percent discount on fees to any resident of Chardon, the city or township.
Mr. Brown said he couldn't afford the program for his chiildren, even with the discount.
Mr. Young said One United would accept whatever requirements the township asked for. "We want to work with whatever you want to do," Mr. Young said.
Mr. Borawski said the township expends enough funds to maintain the parks and should charge the clubs for their use. He said baseball clubs are expected to do their part, as well, maintaining the infields.
Committee membert Kristan Quinn said the soccer clubs could also be asked to contribute like the baseball teams do. She said soccer clubs could be asked to line the fields for their practices and games.
Mr. Fisher said players in the club are taught to take care of the fields they use. "Our families are respectful," Mr. Fisher said. "This is our home away from home. Our philosophy is character on the field and off the field."
Committee Chairman William Blankschaen said he was not necessarily comfortable with charging for use of the fields, because the township's policy so far has been to not charge for use of the park.
Mr. Borawski conceded and agreed that the township would purchase the goals and netting. Any goals needed at the smaller fields would be provided by the two clubs, he said.
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