CRNAA Board Member Urges #NewtownPA Township to Help Make Veterans Park Fields Safer

 

DJ Pascone, a Newtown resident and board member of the Council Rock Newtown Athletic Association (CRNAA), submitted a letter to township officials asking for assistance in installing running water to three baseball fields at Veterans Park. The request comes after more than a year of challenges involving broken water lines and missed opportunities to coordinate needed repairs.

“We desperately need your help,” wrote Pascone, stressing that water access is essential for both field maintenance and player safety, especially during the hot and dry summer months. “Without water to spray down the infield dirt, the hops become dangerous and unpredictable for the children.”

[Read “Watering Little League Baseball Infields Is Essential”]

Pascone detailed CRNAA’s ongoing investments in maintaining local fields, including Chandler Fields and Veterans Park, spending up to $15,000 annually on maintenance in addition to capital improvements. He said the organization has been trying since 2024 to work with Parks and Recreation to bring water access to Veterans Park fields but has faced roadblocks, including a lack of budget, minimal cooperation from Public Works, and absence of accurate schematics for underground infrastructure.

After a major leak shut off water to the entire park for months, CRNAA offered to cover the cost of running new water lines themselves—if the township would install the necessary connection points and meters. A meeting between CRNAA, township staff, and Public Works occurred in winter 2025, but Pascone said no progress has been made since.

He included a proposal from Shanahan Plumbing to install a water tap in Veterans Park (see illustration) and emphasized that if the Township completes its portion, CRNAA is ready to move forward with the installation at a cost of over $10,000.

A Plea

The letter ends with a passionate plea: “This project allows us to continue to invest in Veterans Park as our improvements will be properly maintained. Please help out 500 children and future baseball players in your Township. This isn’t just about water,” Pascone added, “it’s about supporting our kids and showing them their community cares.” 

Back in October 2024, the Newtown Board of Supervisors showed that they cared about the Blue Dawgs Little League World Series Team by issuing a proclamation and providing team members with plaques commemorating their accomplishments and their magical season in their quest for the Little League World Series championship (see photo below).

Watering Little League Baseball Infields Is Essential

I asked ChatGPT to explain why watering little league baseball Infields is essential. The following is what it told me:

Watering Little League baseball infields, especially the dirt or clay areas, is essential for safety, playability, and maintenance. Here’s why:

✅ 1. Player Safety

Dry infields get dusty and loose, which causes bad hops—the ball can bounce unpredictably and hit players in the face or chest. Loose dirt can also lead to slipping hazards during fielding and base running.

✅ 2. Better Ball Play

A properly watered infield provides a consistent, smooth surface for ground balls. It reduces erratic bounces, making games fairer and safer for all skill levels.

✅ 3. Dust Control

Water keeps dust down, which is especially important during hot, dry stretches. Too much dust affects visibility and can irritate players’, coaches’, and spectators’ eyes and lungs.

✅ 4. Field Longevity

Regular watering helps preserve the structure of the infield mix (usually a blend of sand, clay, and silt). It reduces erosion, prevents hard compaction, and limits the need for costly repairs.

✅ 5. Appearance & Professionalism

A well-watered field simply looks better—which reflects well on the league, the town, and the volunteers who care for the fields, noted ChatGPT in summary.

If nothing else, the township should pay attention to item #4. As a supervisor, I am committed to preserve the health and safety of residents. Supervisors are also responsible for spending taxpayer money wisely. I think whatever the expense involved with installing running water to three baseball fields at Veterans Park as requested by Mr. Pascone is a wise move.

Posted on 10 Aug 2025, 01:45 - Category: Public Safety