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1 8 ATHLETIC FIELDS STUDY <br />City of Elk River, Minnesota DRAFT <br />SOFTBALL <br />12400 <br />12600 <br />12800 <br />13000 <br />13200 <br />13400 <br />2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019# of ParticipantsYears <br />MN GIRLS SOFTBALL <br />PARTICIPATION <br />Girls Participation Linear (Girls Participation) <br />357500 <br />359500 <br />361500 <br />363500 <br />365500 <br />367500 <br />369500 <br />2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019# of ParticipantsYears <br />NATIONAL GIRLS SOFTBALL <br />PARTICIPATION <br />Total Linear (Total) <br />STATE AND NATIONAL HIGH <br />SCHOOL PARTICIPATION RATES <br />ELK RIVER YOUTH ASSOCIATION <br />PARTICIPATION RATES <br />0 <br />20 <br />40 <br />60 <br />80 <br />100 <br />120 <br />140 <br />160 <br />2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 <br />Softball Participation <br />Reported Projected (by Assn) <br />0 <br />2 <br />4 <br />6 <br />8 <br />10 <br />12 <br />14 <br />16 <br />2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 <br />Softball Teams <br />Reported Projected (by Assn) <br />FINDINGS <br />Youth Softball is a steady to growing sport in Elk River. The association <br />anticipates strong growth. For the purposes of this study, the expectations are <br />tempered somewhat to a moderated growth, based on the association getting <br />its footing after separating from ROSA and continued demographic growth. <br />Adult softball has declined in popularity from a high in the late 1980s and early <br />1990s. This slide has continued as players age and there are more demands on <br />players’ time. It is unlikely that the trend will reverse. The long term viability of <br />continuing adult softball is in question. <br />In Elk River, there is the perception among softball players and families that <br />the program does not get access to some of the same fi elds as baseball. The <br />creation of two ballfi elds at Lion John Wiecht park has created a destination <br />with outstanding facilities. The School District does retain priority scheduling <br />on these fi elds for the high school teams. <br />DAAC is a solid facility, but at this point is showing its age. There are not <br />permanent restrooms at DAAC and the lighting and shelters are nearing the <br />point of needing to be replaced. Softball would like to see improvements <br />similar to those at YAC. <br />It is also worth noting that the two fi elds that are sized for fastpitch have <br />school district priority. Other smaller fi elds would be welcome for the <br />association.