KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo City Commissioners want to put a great deal more emphasis and money into youth sports, and they say it’s not just to give the kids something to do.
They view it as an important way to curb crime and violence, and get children off to a good start. At a budget workshop Monday night they discussed everything from tackle football to chess, from E-gaming to archery.
Parks Director Sean Fletcher says they have some of the facilities, what they need is someone full time to organize it.
Vice Mayor Don Cooney and Commissioner Chris Praedel say this might be a great use for federal COVID-19 federal relief dollars.
Last night the City Commission approved the creation of a subcommittee to come up with a short term plan to beef up programs this year…and a longer term plan to greatly expand programs.
City Manager Jim Ritsema says they will need recommendations by March for this year.
Mayor David Aanderson says he would like to see the subcommittee come back with plans for programs as soon as they can.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety already operates several youth sports leagues in Kalamazoo, but as volunteers, and other non-profits also do sports like baseball and soccer.
(reporting from John McNeill)
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