Parents write petition to Huntsville city leaders for repairs to Mayfair Park
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A park in Huntsville is becoming an eyesore and a safety hazard for residents whose children play baseball and softball there.
Parents told News 19 that over the years, Mayfair Park has fallen into disrepair, and they fear it will only get worse.
One of the parents, Sam Trupiano, spent his youth playing baseball and attending games at Mayfair Park.
“I grew up in this park and played in this park from age I guess 6 on until I went to middle school,” said Trupiano.
Trupiano has children who play baseball in the park. He now serves as the president of the Mayfair Park board and says he’s listened to parents’ concerns that the decades-old park is in desperate need of repair.
“We’ve got some wear and tear, and this facility has been this way for many years,” Trupiano explained. “It’s kind of one of the first within the city that have this more modern look so with that comes wear and tear.”
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Another parent, Fillie Nichols, has two children who play both softball and baseball. Nichols says she is concerned that the field’s condition is becoming a safety hazard, especially after storms.
She and other parents started a petition in May that now has well over 100 signatures. She sent the petition to Huntsville city leaders with hopes of getting things going to repair the fields.
“We have one field that has a flooding issue that when it rains it creates large divots around first base,” said Nichols. “The volunteer coaches that are taking out their personal time from their friends and family to come out here and coach these kids of all different backgrounds, are purposely telling kids to avoid trying to catch balls in that area so that way they don’t roll their ankles or experience any fractures.”
News 19 reached out to the city parks and recreation director about the condition of Mayfair Park who responded in a statement saying:
The City has been made aware of concerns regarding Mayfair Park. Parks & Recreation has looked into those concerns and, as a result, work orders have been submitted with various City departments. Many of the issues have already been addressed and other isues with be addressed in the near future.”
James Gossett, Huntsville City Parks and Recreation Director
Parks and recreation have been communicating with the Mayfair Park board, and both are confident that the fields will be in good playing condition soon.
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