Board formed to advise Sports and Recreation Department
A new sports and recreation department director has been hired and an advisory board has been formed as a new era in community sports in Stigler begins.
Stigler will soon have two sports complexes and offer youth and adults the opportunity to be involved in more outdoor community sports.
The city’s new sports complex will soon be completed and opening day ceremonies are being planned for July 20, according to the city. The new complex is located at 706 S.W. 7th St., behind Sale Barn Road, and will offer fields for baseball, softball, adult softball, soccer and stickball. The Sports and Recreation Department, under the direction of Adam Engle, will oversee the two sports complexes, and the teams that play on the fields, according to City Manager Bobby Mouser.
“I’m excited about the future of Stigler sports and the complex,” Engle said. He and his wife, Ashley, graduated from Stigler Schools. Adam participated in football and baseball at Stigler Schools. He and his wife have coached multiple teams for many years. Their three children – Ace, Dally and Major – attend Stigler Schools and are active in sports.
The newly-organized Stigler Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is an independent body of volunteers that act in an advisory capacity to the Stigler Parks and Recreation director, city manager and citizens of Stigler.
“The goal of the advisory board is to guide the decision-making process to ensure the best decisions are made for our youth,” said Linus Williams Jr., advisory board member. “The advisory board members are working hard and all are optimistic about this new chapter in Stigler sports. My personal goal is to grow women’s softball, and introduce soccer and stickball to our community. The more opportunities we create for our youth will undoubtedly lead to greater participation. Ultimately, I believe this will make us stronger as a community.”
Advisory board members who have been appointed to serve have signed the City of Stigler and Stigler Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Compact. The Compact states: “There is tremendous value in having an advisory board that brings practical experience, diversity and a willingness to share thoughts. Such a group provides a significant contribution to the current and future success of the Stigler parks and recreation department. It is important that the advisory board and the city reach a consensus on important decisions pertaining the Stigler parks and recreation department. In that the city of Stigler recognizes the value of the decisions made by the Stigler parks and recreation advisory board it should be a rare occurrence when the city does not adhere to the advice of the Stigler parks and recreation advisory board. As with all things pertaining to the city of Stigler the final authority rests with the city council.”
The advisory board members include: Jeremy Bishop, Ryan Bibee, Chris Parker, Andy Eakle, Linus Williams, Jason Smith, Tony Gilmore, Ashley Engle, Cliff Altstatt, Stacy Huggins, Kevin Wilkett, Brett Lashley, Brad Risenhoover, Kellen Davis, Blake Klemen, Janice Williams, Daniel Howard, Tyler Guthrie, City Manager Bobby Mouser and Stigler Parks and Recreation Director Adam Engle. Advisory board members were appointed to serve two-yeare terms and three additional members will be appointed soon, according to a board representative.
One of the goals of the advisory board is to assist the Stigler Parks and Recreation Director in the creation and oversite of volunteer committees. Such committees may include: T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball; 10U Baseball and 12U Baseball; Youth Softball and Adult Softball; Soccer and Stickball; Policy, Procedures and Safety; and Diamond Ball Park. Each committee will include advisory board members and other volunteers.
Support and participation of volunteers are crucial for the continued success of outdoor community sports in Stigler, according to board members. Community members are welcome and encouraged to help with events, programs and services.
“Volunteers provide the basis for good decision making and getting the full support, buy in and long term success of the many projects we undertake as a city,” said City Manager Bobby Mouser. “The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, like all of the city boards and commissions will ensure we have the best input and guidance from those people with knowledge and passion to do what is best for the community. Adam (Engle) is fortunate to have such a diverse and knowledgeable Board that is in place and already contributing.”
Engle said volunteers have been and will continue to be important for youth sports in Stigler, adding that the members of the advisory committee have already put in countless hours of their time. “We’ve had great success with people volunteering their time,” he said, adding that more volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Engle at adam@stiglerok.net.
Staff report by Anita Reding