LIBERTY TOWNSHIP Officials plan events for parks

More than 50 fast-pitch softball teams from the United States and Canada will compete in a tournament at one of the township parks.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- The township has a host of activities planned from spring through fall.
The township operates Center Park on Church Hill-Hubbard Road at the township administration building and Church Hill Park off state Route 193.
Center tends to focus on sporting events because of the five baseball fields, while Church Hill draws walkers that enjoy a more natural setting.
In addition to the baseball fields, Center has three shelters, a gazebo and playground.
Kicking off: June Smallwood, full-time township parks and projects coordinator, said sporting activities will get going May 5 with the "Moonlight Baseball Game" that doesn't begin until 9:30 p.m.
Under the lights, girls and boys dressed in their pajamas will play baseball and softball against their school coaches, teachers and administrators.
"We had a good turnout last year," Smallwood said.
The Liberty Township Baseball Association opens its season May 7 at Center with about 300 youngsters involved in Little League, she said.
On May 25-27, the Raging Thunder Fastpitch Association will have 52 teams play at Center and Hubbard's Harding Park.
The National Softball Association event will draw teams from the United States and Canada. It will be the NSA's largest-qualifying event in Ohio, said Dave Anderson of Liberty, Raging Thunder's vice president and tournament director.
The players are ages 8 to 19. The winners go on to North Carolina or Florida for fast-pitch World Series competition, Anderson.
Crowds expected: The event draws a lot of people, he explained, because parents and grandparents accompany most of the younger players.
A new event this year will be the Fall Fest in October, replacing the Liberty Fest. It will feature a car show, nonmechanical rides for children, craft exhibits and historical displays.
"We felt we needed a change," Smallwood said, noting township officials wanted a fall event.
Smallwood said the parks are being used more, but their uses are changing.
Baseball was "the game" in Liberty; however, soccer and tennis are growing in popularity, she said.
Township trustees are looking to acquire land for soccer fields because of the sport's growth.
The once-neglected Church Hill Park has seen many additions during recent years, including a deck, playground equipment, boccie and volleyball courts, softball field and two pavilions.