Having 3 girls that play softball, I often found myself spending a lot of time driving across Salt Lake Valley to get to games and practices for them to play softball.  These drives prompted our community to come together and form the Mt. Olympus Fastpitch League in 2024, bringing softball back to east side of the valley for the first time in 20+ years. Since then, we have seen incredible growth season after season, offering a home to many young athletes eager to play, make friends, grow and compete in softball.

For the past three years, the three softball fields at Union Park have been at the heart of our league. These fields are not just patches of grass and dirt to us; they represent community, opportunity, and the love of the game. Importantly, they are the only county softball fields east of I-15 and north of Draper dedicated to girls fastpitch and are integral to our league's operations.

However, we now face a major risk with the proposal to remove these fields to make space for a new Recreation Center. While we understand  and support the benefits of expanding recreational facilities, it must not come at the expense of a vital program that serves hundreds of families in our community. Losing these fields would mean losing a critical space that fosters athletic growth, teamwork, and empowerment for young girls.

To ensure that we can continue providing these opportunities, we propose integrating the new Rec Center without sacrificing the softball fields. Such a move would honor the commitment we have made to our young athletes and the community at large. We are open to discussions with Midvale City and Salt Lake County and other stake holders, on how this can be achieved, possibly through re-evaluating park space usage and collaborating with Mt Olympus Fastpitch to find innovative solutions.

It is crucial for decision-makers to understand the impact that the removal of these fields would have. The fields not only serve the thriving  and growing Mt. Olympus Fastpitch League but also support regional sports activities, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for our youth. Removing them could diminish participation and impact the growing enthusiasm for softball in our area.

We are calling on supporters, parents, community members, and city officials to recognize the importance of preserving these fields. By signing this petition, you join us in our endeavor to keep the Union Park softball fields operational for current and future generations. Together, let’s ensure that young athletes can continue enjoying the sport they love in the community that supports them. Please join us in preserving a vital part of our community by signing this petition today.