With a decision to raise fees on city and district facilities, voted on by the Santa Clara City Council and Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Trustees, high schools and other non-profit organizations have been put in a tough position while trying to support youth sports. With a focus on keeping athletics available to all who want to play, these organizations have had to adapt in order to continue their promise to the community.
One of the facilities includes the historic baseball field Washington Park. Opened in 1935, Washington Park has historically hosted youth, amateur and professional baseball. In the past, the SCHS baseball team has had the privilege to host an annual baseball tournament at the facility free of charge. That is not the case this year, however.
Although the baseball team will be charged for hosting a tournament, SCHS and Wilcox will not have to pay for league games. This has led SCHS varsity baseball head coach Pedro Martinez to protest due to what he believes are illogical fees.
“I am taking a stance on it and so is Wilcox as they also pulled a JV tournament from there,” Martinez said. “We both agreed to not play there in a unified fashion to boycott Washington Park and the fees.”
Former Vice Mayor and member of Santa Clara City Council, Kevin Moore stated that he was glad the city never pushed to increase fees on facilities while in position. He does not agree with the money that high schools are being charged to play at Washington Park as students playing on that field will only bring positives to the community.
“It’s a shame because of the history in that ballpark,” Moore said. “The same kids who play in these other Palomino teams play on the high school team, so it only benefits the school and the city when the kids are out there on the field.”
The high schools in the area are not the only organizations feeling the effects of the increase in fees for athletic facilities. President of Santa Clara Police Activities League Mike Walke explained that SCUSD and the City of Santa Clara have raised prices in order to cover the previously $27 million, now $9 million deficit, something that he does not agree with.
“I don’t think it’s fair that you’re placing this deficit on the backs of children through the nonprofit groups that are just trying to get kids to play sports and get them outside, get them involved in activities,” Walke said.
Martinez believes the new fees are not temporary and finds it unfortunate because they will have negative effects on youth sports. He emphasized that fewer kids will have the opportunity to participate in such activities.
“Keeping kids off the street and giving young kids something to do,” Martinez said. “It’s sad that they might have to go away because the only people who are going to be able to pay for this are travel organizations for softball and baseball, and you’re gonna lose a lot of free use sports facilities.”
According to Moore, Santa Clara was previously known as one of the youth sports capitals of the world, with a world renowned Olympic swim and dive program in the 1960s and 1970s. He stated that giving the youth accessible sports facilities will allow athletes to positively represent the city around the globe.
“These kids are going to be out there representing the city, some of them throughout the state, some throughout the country and hopefully some throughout the world,” Moore said. “It’s good PR for the city, so if they’re going to charge fees, they should be reasonable.”
Funded by bonds, many taxpayers are frustrated the city is now charging additional fees on facilities that were paid for with their money. With this in mind, Martinez stated that this was unjust to players, parents and the community in general and will have negative impacts on youth sports.
“The principle of charging a Youth League that has taxpayers that pay for the field is ridiculous,” Martinez said. “I think over time you will be able to see diminishing numbers in softball and baseball respectively in the little league areas and the Powell softball area. I think over time, you’re going to see more of a diminishing sport because of the money that’s costing to fund them.”
With a 5:2 vote by the city council in favor of charging additional fees for athletic facilities in the city of Santa Clara, Martinez believes that those in power are not aware of the impact that sports has on the lives of athletes.
“I feel bad because I really believe some of those people that are up there making the decisions are out of touch with youth sports and what it brings to some kids because there’s friendships that are built, relationships that are built and life lessons that are learned at that age,” Martinez said.