By Bonnie Culverhouse
Year ‘round Minden’s Recreation Complex plays host to thousands of children from ages 5 to 15 in almost every type of sport that uses a ball.
After years of serving the public, (since 2002), the complex has something new – a group of people committed to keeping the fields in top shape and aid city workers who are dedicated to the complex.
“We are a volunteer organization of parents, coaches and supporters of the baseball and softball fields,” said Andy Pendergrass, one of the founders of the Diamond Club.
Pendergrass, along with Logan Hollingsworth, recently formed the group to help with manual labor, as well as other aspects of recreation primarily geared toward baseball and softball.
“We want the fields to be the best quality they can be, and we want this place to be top notch,” Pendergrass said. “We have a great team of workers at the complex, but they are stretched thin because they have to keep up with all the parks and other grounds owned by the city. We are just trying to help them maximize their time by providing help and our expertise.”
Rec Complex director Zita Williams agrees.
“They (Diamond Club) have been very supportive of our organization,” she said.
Williams said numbers of players is up from last year. For 2024, there are 655 kids registered to play – 179 girls, 293 boys, 85 wee ball players and 98 tee ball’ers.
“We saw a major spike on the boys’ side,” she said. “I think it’s because the kids are transitioning and moving from one age group to the next.”
Williams believes another reason is because the coaches, as well as the Diamond Club, have been very supportive.
“This is where the support really comes into play from Diamond Club,” she added. “The members and the coaches interact on a daily basis with the kids during the off-season, as well as the season, whereas the Rec Center only sees those kids on a seasonal basis.”
With access to the parents, Diamond Club and coaches are able to communicate and share information more quickly, she added.
A well-used complex means wear and tear. Parents want their children to play on infields that have no holes and are level. Because Minden hosts tournaments that bring in visitors from inside as well as outside Webster Parish, Diamond Club is made up of persons who have baseball/softball backgrounds.
“These are people who don’t get a dime for what they are doing to help,” said Hollingsworth. “They take away time from their own families to help the Rec Complex workers, who have so many other responsibilities in addition to the fields.”
Hollingsworth said each of the fields has different issues, with drainage issues and holes.
“We are upgrading with dirt, but a long term goal would be turf on the adult fields,” Hollingsworth said. “This place has good bones, but upkeep is a full-time job.”
Short term goals include improving drainage, placing attractive toppers on the outfield fences and covering the batting cages.
These goals plus bringing the practice fields to a standard where kids can play without injury costs money.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox recently asked the city council to allocate a portion of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) to help.
“I want to improve the experience for the kids at the Rec Center,” Cox explained.
Pendergrass is happy about that, however, other methods of collecting funds are in the works.
“We have signs on the fences of businesses that once supported the Rec Complex,” he said. “Some of those aren’t even in business any more. What we would like is to have someone who has the time and inclination to devote to calling these businesses to see if they still want to support the complex – we don’t even know how much they were paying to have their signs posted.”
Pendergrass said he would like that person to go on a mission to get more businesses to support and have their signs placed on the fences. Then that person may be responsible for invoicing and collecting funds from the supporters.
Rules and Regulations
Minden’s first recreation program began in 1967, and over the years, programs and rules have changed.
“We need solidified rules for each league,” Pendergrass pointed out. “Rules, especially concerning All-Stars, have changed over the years. People have forgotten what was done in the past.
“This committee will put it all in writing and make sure those rules are applied to all leagues,” he continued. “Our director, Zita Williams will choose the All Star coaches and help ensure all the rules are followed.”
Monday, April 1, is opening day at for baseball and softball at the Minden Recreation Complex.
Hollingsworth said Diamond Club members and Rec Center employees are excited about it.
“Everything comes to action once you get your plans going,” he said. “I think it will be a good deal.”
Local Economy
Pendergrass and Hollingsworth believe the complex is good for Minden’s economy.
“When you go play somewhere, you have to buy gas, eat two or three times, sometimes you have to stay in a hotel,” Hollingsworth pointed out. “It won’t be a negative … that’s for sure.
“Our biggest goal is to have a place where our kids can go and play and their whole families are there,” he continued. “We want it to be the best for these kids. When you can give them an activity – yes, we want to make them better ball players – but ultimately make them better young men and women that will hopefully one day better the community, just like we’re trying to do.”
History
The recreation complex is located off Industrial Drive (I-20 Service Road) and encompasses more than 150 acres.
Read more about it by clicking on mindenrec.org .
For more information (and rainout), contact Minden Recreation Complex, Zita Williams, Director of Parks and Recreation at (318) 371-4235.
