Bring adult softball back to the Armory

Before 2020 the Armory Fields had adult softball games twice a week. It was an activity that has been enjoyed in Whitefish for decades. Softball was a generational pastime where parents could bring their kids, college students could play during summer break, and where locals could unwind from a long day on the field. Conversations consisted of teammates inquiring about each other’s lives or local chatter. Many of the teams included family members, coworkers, neighborhood friends, and for those who were new to the area and wanted to hit the ball around this was good ol’ fashion mingling. The snack shack was a place where you could grab a snack for a buck or two or get a $1 water. There were four fields that were filled with softball game activities from 6-9 p.m. which was perfect during our Montana summers as the sun didn’t disappear until after 10:30 p.m. Adult softball was good for our community because it got the residents together to participate in recreational fun, engage in conversation, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. 

Since Covid-19 the softball league has been suspended. Every summer I hear the murmuring of former players wishing that softball would come back. They miss it. The community misses it. It was an activity that was good for people interacting in a healthy and wholesome manner. It was good for mental health. For locals, Whitefish summers are filled with tourism, large events, crowded parks, long lines of traffic on the roads, at the gas pump, and in the stores. For many of us we work long hours. Adult softball was something to look forward to. To my understanding two of the four fields no longer exist and are now designated for other activities. My ask is that the last two field are kept for the community to use for softball and baseball.  

I implore Parks and Recreation to make Adult League Softball a priority. If the department needs help with organizing it, please make it known as I am sure community members would step up to get the league back. Even if you have a limit of eight teams with two fields that would be huge for our community. 

Whitefish locals, if you want this league back, let your voice be heard to Parks and Recreation in a professional and kind manner. 

Julie Mac, Whitefish