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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-06 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 2 No. 3PUBLISHED QUARTERLY vthe Cit or TaIjW1ta Volume 2, Number 3 Edgar D. Bauch, Mayor JUNE 1978 Gary VanDusen . 243-6743 L.C. "Bud" Bohrer 243-7679 Mabel Harris . . 242-5359 George Hill . 244-2785 City Council Meetings Reid Johanson . . . 243-1526 Dan Saul . . 244-5408 Dwayne "Skip" Traynor 243-2883 Edgar Bauch, Mayor . 243-0774 Committee of the Whole . 1st & 3rd Mondays 7:00 p.m. . . 2nd & 4th Mondays 7:00 p.m. — By Gary VanDusen Council President — The Tukwila City Council has been busy laying the groundwork for some significant legislation. Council sub -committees have been working hard with help from City staff and consultants formulating mean- ingful ordinances that will have a positive impact on the City and the residents. A smoke detector ordinance has been before the Council, discussed, and sent back to committee. The thrust of this ordinance is to establish smoke detectors in all living units in the City of Tukwila. The Council at this point has reservations requiring detectors in single- family residences. The Council does feel all rental units should be required to have them. The upcoming noise ordinance will be precedent setting. Dave Hickok has been working deligently with the public safety committee to establish a meaningful ordinance that will better enable the City to reduce noise that is ever impacting our lives. A massage parlor ordinance is presently pending before the Council. This ordinance will hopefully over- come some of the enforcement problems of the present ordinance. As the work and problems of the City become more and more complex, it becomes necessary to hire more clerks or obtain electronic data processing to deal with the associated paper flow. An ad-hoc computer study team was established to look into the feasibility of a computer for the City. This committee will deal with this very complex issue. The above mentioned legislative acts are significant but many more, no less important, are currently before the Council. If you as citizens have any suggestions or input, please contact your councilman by writing a letter or presenting your viewpoint personally. The Council has a policy of listening to everyone no matter how small the comment. 1 ODTSTAG OFFICIi°; iiIIIIIU 1111111111111111 Congratualtions are due to Officer Steve Robinson of the Tukwila Police Department. He has been selected as • the Outstanding Officer of the Year for South King County by the Highline Exchange Club. This organiza- tion is a national mens service club, made up of business and professional men. Their purpose is to provide services to children and the community. Steve is the police departments Juvenile Officer. He is responsible for all juveniles coming into contact with the law through Tukwila. One of Steve's major accomplish- ments as Juvenile Officer has been the establishment of "Youth and Law Week." This is a very successful program aimed at the children within the South Central school district. Through this program Steve is able to bring youth and police together in a very positive atmosphere. RECREATION SHOW AT SOUTH. CENTER —By Don Williams— June 2nd, 3rd and 4th the Tukwila Recreation Depart- ment participated in a Recreation Show at the South - center Mall. About 14 agencies or departments partici- pated by demonstrating various recreation activities on stage or presented displays with pictures, slides or handouts all about their parks and recreation programs. Hundreds of people watched the demonstrations and took home information about their local park and recreation departments. This was the first time such an exhibit was presented and according to the participants it was a success. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The editors of the Hazelnut welcome comments from readers, both on the newspaper and on views or questions about our City government. All letters will be answered, and if space permits, be published in the Hazelnut. FOSTER GOLF LINKS NOW TUKWILA'S — By Don Williams — "Forever" was the word Mayor Edgar D. Bauch used at the dedication transfering ownership of Foster Golf Links from Ben and Bill Aliment to the City of Tukwila. The City's purchase assures the community that the golf course will remain a golf course while providing some needed open space and greenery in this growing City. The idea to purchase the golf course began as long ago as 1972. The first real action was a vote on a bond issue on November 19, 1975 in which the community rejected the idea by 40 votes, 452 to 492. After a great deal of effort by an Ad Hoc Committee enough support was generated to pass the bond issue on November 17, 1976 with a vote 773 to 458. The next step was for the City Council to give the go-ahead to the Mayor to have studies completed to determine the financial situation and management of the golf course and to study the physical condition of the facility and equipment. Private firms were hired to assist the City with final reports completed in 1977. After the reports were reviewed by the Mayor and City Council negotiations began to settle on a purchase price. The 1976 bond issue provided $1,850,000 of Unlimited General Obligation Bonds. Soon after negotiations began our elected officials knew the City would need some additional financing to provide purchasing funds and funds to make improvements to the facilities. The City Council approved $450,000 of Limited General Obligation Bonds enabling the City to purchase the course and make improvements in the months to come. Actual purchase of Foster Golf Course occurred at 12:01 a.m. on May 2, 1978. That same day at the dedication Mayor Bauch expressed appreciation to all who had worked to acquire the course and keep it as a pleasant addition to the City. He also congratulated Golf Management and Planning who had been selected by the Mayor and City Council to operate the course for the City. Golf Management and Planning plans to make several additions to the restaurant and some general upgrading of the facility. If you have any questions, Mickey Stray, the Golf Pro at Foster will be able to answer them, 433-9932. The transfer of ownership and take over by new operators has been smooth with very few problems. It looks like Mayor Bauch is right. The golf course is and will be Tukwila's "Fore -ever." 1. to r. Ben Aliment, Francis Eddy Walker and Bill Aliment, former owners. 9 CITY OF TUKWILA FINANCE DEPARTMENT — By Ron Swanson — 1110,1,1,010.411 Intently looking over the financial affairs of the city is the Finance Department staff. From left to right are Ron Swanson, Finance Director; Al Miligan, Utility Accoun- tant; Sandy Stephens, Accounting Clerk; Shirley Kristof- ferson, Accounting Officer; and Arletta Rasmussen, Computer Operator. The Finance Department is new to the City in that it has been organized for only about four months. The department was formed to consolidate several account- ing services previously provided by the retired Treasurer and City Clerk. The Staff works with both the public and City emp- loyees in providing the following major types of services: Vendor Payments & Payroll All claims from vendors and contractors are reviewed and paid through the department, each month about 300 claims are processed. In addition approximately 150 payroll checks are issued twice a month to City employees. Utility Billing & Collection Over 995 utility customer accounts and several Local Improvement District Assessments are billed and col- lected each month. A great deal of time is also spent responding to customer inquiries in this area. Investments An average of over $16,000 is earned monthly as a result of the Departments investment program. Under this program City funds are constantly earning interest until the cash is needed for operations. Accounting Records A small computer currently maintains the accounting records for a total of 25 separate city funds. In addition, a complete set of records is maintained for the water and sewer utilities. These accounting records are used by the City management to monitor the financial activity of the City. The entire staff has several years' experience and education in the finance field. This background has proven to be a useful asset in meeting the challenge of the growing financial needs of the City departments and the public. CRIME WA H DID YOU KNOW... —By Pat Lowery— Federal Law requires that consumers have to know the nature, substance and sources of a Credit Report (except investigative sources) of information (except medical) maintained by a consumer reporting agency. There is no charge if the individual has been refused credit, insurance, or employment, and the individual may take an advisor with him. Companies must purge obsolete information and must reinvestigate disputed information. If a dispute remains, the consumer may have his version of the facts included in subsequent consumer reports. Such reports may go only to certain parties. Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.D.C. Sec. 1601, Public Law No. 91-508... Security and Safety, while they are synonymous in some companies in most they are not. Where safety is coupled with security, fire prevention tops the list of responsibilities. Which SMOKE ALARM to choose — that seems to be a current question. Underwriters Lab. has proposed a 17% test, National Bureau of Standards considers 15% smoke to be the maximum point for a safe evacuation. I disagree with both, having recently attended an impartial smoke test for smoke alarms. Two to five percent smoke would be unbearable for most. If you are considering additional smoke alarms OR MORE IMPORTANTLY, if you have none at present, contact the Fire Department at 575-4404 for helpful and unbiased information. Bombings and accidential explosions killed 112 Ameri- cans in 1977 — a jump of more than 50% over 1976 — and injured 298 others, the Government reported. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, and Firearms recently reported a record of 1,339 bombings occurred in the United States in 1977, 60 accidental blasts were also reported. 1 CL s'%SSE The City of Tukwila Fire Department is offering open enrollment American Red Cross First Aid and Personal Safety classes. The classes are held during the week between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and are expected to be offered every other month to the public. Special scheduled classes, primarily for businesses, will also be offered. For further information or specific dates and registration call the Fire Department at 575-4404 bet- ween the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. WANTED: CALL FIRE FIGHTERS The Tukwila Fire Department is seeking qualified individuals to help in fire suppression and fire prevention activities. The city offers the following benefits: * $2.50 per hour wage * Pension * Medical coverage * Education * Opportunity to serve your community. All applicants will have to pass a physical examination, paid for by the department, and probationary training. Training hours are flexible to meet the requirements of interested parties working second and third shifts at their normal employment. Persons interested should contact the Tukwila Fire Department at 575-4404 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The stations are open 24 hours. Stop by for a visit and have your questions answered. L. Volunteers in the City's Crime Prevention Program after they were honored as outstanding citizens by the Tukwila City Council in ceremonies May 15, 1978. Pictured from left to right — Maxine Anderson, city clerk; Pat Lowery, head of the Crime Prevention Program; volunteers Bobby Zepp, Alice Frey, Walt Frey and Ira Hyzer. 7 PUBLIC WORKS ACTIVITIES —By Doris Phelps— The Public Works Department has had no time for spring fever so far this year. In addition to the small projects and daily events of the City and major develop- ments of the business community, several major projects budgeted for 1978 are under way. As you have no doubt noticed by now, Southcenter Blvd. Rehabilitation Project on Southcenter Blvd. west of 62nd Avenue South is well into construction. West Coast Construction Co., the successful bidder for this project, is on schedule with the current phases of underground- ing utilities, installing storm drainage and constructing curbs and gutters. The project is scheduled to be completed in August, 1978 and should ease traffic congestion in that area in addition to providing an attractive boulevard and bikeway along the hillside. Plans and specifications for the 1978 Street Improve- ment Project are ready for bid and the residents along 56th Avenue South between South 141st Street and South 147th Street and along South 147th Street between 56th Avenue South and 57th Avenue South have been invited to review the final plans. Call for bids will be advertised in mid-June and construction will likely begin early July. Also included in the 1978 Project are the rockeries not completed during the 1977 Street Improvement Project along 59th Avenue South and 58th Avenue South, south of South 147th Street, and on South 149th Street. INTERURBAN COR DESIGN On May 22nd, the Tukwila city council brought the Interurban Corridor Study one step closer to completion. Presented with two alternative street design concepts — "linear" and "area" emphasis — the council directed the study consultants to include elements of both alternatives in the refinement of plans for Interurban Avenue. Refinement of street design represents the final phase of the study. One of the major design considerations expressed by the City Council was the de -emphasis of Interurban as a through -street. Council members emphasized the local - user aspect of traffic and suggested a street pattern which would better accommodate people who shop, walk, or drive locally along Interurban. Other considera- tions expressed included the speed of traffic, noise, traffic lights, children's safety, and access between the residential and commercial areas. The 1978 Utility Undergrounding Program in the residential community proposes to include 59th Avenue South, north of South 147th Street to 58th Avenue South, along 56th Avenue South between South 139th Street and South 141 st Street and along 56th Place South between South 139th Street and South 141st Street. Costs are being requested from Puget Sound Power & Light Co., Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Co. and Teleprompter Cable TV at the present time and construction is scheduled for early summer. Letters will be sent to the residents involved in the project area to review preliminary plans as soon as they are available. Another project beginning construction in June is a five -phase traffic signal at the intersection of South 180th Street and Andover Park West. Our records of traffic problems and accidents have indicated the need for revision at this location. The State Highway Department hopes to solve another traffic problem with the installa- tion of a signal at the intersection of Strander Blvd. and West Valley Highway (Interurban Avenue So.) some time later this fall. And to implement all these projects for the City, several new staff members have joined the Public Works Department. Terence R. Monaghan, P.E., formerly emp- loyed by an eastside consulting engineering firm, filled the vacant position of Public Works Director in February. Greg Kennedy, a graduate in civil engineering from the University of Washington, joined the staff as Engineering Technician in May. Dave Hodgkin brought valuable experience from the City of Las Vegas and the Nevada State Highway Department to Tukwila to become Con- struction Inspector beginning in April and ending with the completion of the Southcenter Blvd. Project in August. As of June 5, the Department will also have three survey crew members for the summer months to assist the engineering staff. As you can see, progress is our most important product! RIDOR STUDY A PLAN - By Fred Satterstrom — Consultant for the Interurban Corridor Study is MPS, a Seattle -based consulting firm. In conjunction with City planning staff, MPS has sponsored two community meetings on the study. The first meeting was held April 6th and dealt with the identification of problems and opportunities along In- terurban. General design concepts for Interurban Av- enue were presented at the second community meeting conducted May 17th. City staff and project consultants will now spend the next few weeks working on the final design plan for Interurban. Presentation of the final plan will be made to the City Council in late June. If you desire further information or have any com- ments on the project, please contact the Planning Division at 242-2177. r A WHAT DID YOU SAY? — By Dave Hickok — The damage done by the pollution of our air and water is widely recognized. The evidence is right before our eyes, in contaminated water, oil spills and dying fish, and in smog that burns the eyes and sears the lungs. Noise is as prevalent a pollutant although the effects are less widely recognized. Aside from sonic booms that can break windows, noise usually leaves no visible evidence. It can, however, pose a hazard to our health and well-being. An estimated 14.7 million Americans are exposed to excess noise on the job. Another 13.5 million of us are exposed to dangerous noise levels without knowing it from trucks, airplanes, motorcycles, hi-fi's, lawnmowers, and kitchen appliances. Peter Breysse, Associate Professor from the Universi- ty of Washington, conducted a sound survey last year within the City of Tukwila and stated "Tukwila is one of the noisiest cities in the area." Typical noise levels range from a low of 50 dBA during the quiet hours of the night to a high of 75 Dba during the busy hours of the day. Maximum levels are 10 to 15 dBA higher. Laboratory studies show sound levels above 50 dBA will interfere with sleep and levels above 60 dBA will interfere with speech. Recent scientific evidence also shows that relatively continuous exposures to sound exceeding 70 decibels — freeway traffic, for instance, can be harmful to hearing. More than that, noise can cause stress reactions which includes increases in heart rate, blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and effects in the digestive and respiratory systems. With persistent, unrelenting noise exposure, it is possible that these reactions become chronic stress diseases such as high blood pressure or peptic ulcers. The Tukwila City Council recognizes that noise is a health hazard within the City. As a result, the City Council has established a Noise Control Program which will be developed to reduce noise levels to their lowest practical limit and to minimize the impact of new noise sources. Twenty-eight residents attended a public meet- ing on March 22, 1978, where the Noise Control Program was discussed by Dave Hickok, Noise Re- searcher for the City of Tukwila. The discussion included the extent of the noise problem, program direction and a question and answer period. From the Noise Control Program the City Council will develop controls which will reduce noise levels. VIRONNA RETURNS TO RECREA. MN DEPARTMENT —By Recreation Staff— Virginia Whitney, Senior Recreation Leader with the Tukwila Recreation Department is back with us again after a five week convalenscence following surgery. Virginia, who was very instrumental in the formation of the Senior Citizen Program, developed her interest as a result of serving as hostess to the now extinct "In- quisitors Club" where her husband was driver for the group of Senior travelers. Enthusiastic about senior citizen recreation, she set out to organize a true program dedicated to the elders in the community and now, four years hence last February, the program is still going strong. In talking with Virginia she disclosed that the rest with her family had been a pleasant one, although she wished she could have been able to accomplish a few more things around the household. However, she is anxious to return to her work for she does miss everyone and the pleasures of being active. Virginia, speaking for the rest of the recreation staff and all of those whom you come in contact with everyday, we've missed you, too, and we're happy to see you up and around again. Welcome back! 5 TUKWILA BIDS FAREWELL TO GARY CRUTCHFIELD —By Fred Satterstrom— The City of Tukwila has lost an energetic workaholic. Gary Crutchfield, Tukwila's Assistant Planner for the past six and -a -half years, left the City on June 1st to accept a position with the City of Pasco, Washington. As Assistant Planner in Tukwila's Office of Community Development, Gary administered the zoning and subdivi- sion codes. He assisted with the preparation of several planning related ordinances, namely the Shoreline Mast- er Program and Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and was principal project planner for numerous others. Gary also staffed the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. Gary will pick up the reins of Pasco's Planning Department on June 5, 1978. According to Pasco officials, that City (pop. 15,000) is experiencing growth pains caused by a rapid pace of development which the City cannot properly and effectively manage with its outdated zoning and subdivision laws. With his back- ground at Tukwila, a rapidly developing community itself, Gary's qualifications were a case of "just what the doctor ordered." Gary will leave behind many friends in both the corporate and residential sectors of Tukwila when he, his wife Dana and daughter Melanie move to Pasco. Nevertheless, as far as the city employees are con- cerned, there may be 250 miles between Tukwila and Pasco but not alot of distance. A NEW FACE IN RECREATION —By Lynn Devoir— Mark Cooper, a 1973 graduate of Foster High, has been our student intern from Central Washington Univer- sity in Ellensburg. He is a Senior and will graduate in June with a B.A. in Leisure Services. In Recreation, as in teaching, a student must spend one quarter of practical experience before he/she can graduate. The student must work a forty hour week for 10 weeks. They are not paid for their hours as this is considered training and the student receives college credit. You've probably seen Mark with the pre-school class, Sr. Citizens Programs or at Slow -pitch games and he's also been our photographer. Mark's main project with the department has been the design and completion of Tukwila's first Park Map Guide. The guides are available at the Recreation Department and a copy of the areas and locations are printed in this edition of the Hazelnut. Before attending Central, Mark graduated from High - line Community College with two Associate of Arts degrees. One is a general degree and the other is in Corrections. May 31 was Mark's final day as an intern student and he returned to Central for graduation. The Recreation staff was very pleased with Mark's performance during his ten weeks with the City. So much so that he was hired as a part-time employee for the summer season. Mark designed and is directing the Day Camp Program. He's also been working with the men's and Jack & Jill Slow -pitch. The Recreation Department was fortunate to have an intern with Mark's willingness and abilities. The staff predicts that he will be a real asset to the Recreation profession. IIIKELN(1 1 PUB by, CiCay,o Tut vita i i 14475 59th Avenue South Tukwila, Washington 98067 Written by City employees Edited by John McFarland & Deanna Illman ed Printed by �r Printing Control Services, Inc. LISHED QUARTERLY :' \\NalKik ®\\v.\ \ \\®\\®\\®\\ \\®\\t\\k.\\r vks\\ \%'' \\` \\\�®\\A\\Nav\\\\` \ anv\lo \\®\\N\\®\\®,v 4\ NEW PARK GUIDE AVAILABLE The Recreation Office receives numerous calls each week from people asking about Tukwila park facilities and their location. With such requests a map was needed that could be mailed to the interested parties. Such a map and ledger of each park was developed and is presented here in the Hazelnut. If you would like a copy of the Park Guide, please call the Recreation Office at 242-2177 to have a copy sent to you. TUKWILA PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES NO. PARK ADDRESS FACILITIES 1 DUWAMISH PARK 42nd Ave, So. between So Baseball Field. Restroom, Playground Ap- 122nd SI & 5o 115th SI paralus, Playheld. 1 Basketball Hoop 2 RIVERTON PARK Corner of 134th SI 8 So Small Grass Area, Picnic Table 133,0 SI 3 FOSTER GOLF 13500 Interurban Ave So 18 Hole Goff Course. Pro -Shop, Pulling COURSE Green, Restaurant 4 JOSEPH FOSTER Comer of 53rd Ave 5o 6 MEMORIAL PARK 1371h SI 5 PEA PATCH Corner o1 53rd Ave So 8 GARDENS So 13915 51 6 TUKWILA TRAIL 51 7 TUKWILA TRAIL a2 6 TUKWILA TRAIL 43 9 TUKWILA TRAIL k4 5915 Ave So to Interurban Ave 62nd Ave 5o to Trail • 1 65th Ave So l0 5o 1491h SI Along 62n0 Ave So. nom So 15151 51 to So 153rd SI Picnic Tables. 1 Tennis Court. Baseball, Soccer Field, Restroom, Playground Appa- ralus.2 Basketball Hoops. Grandstand Sealing 17 Garden Patches, 1011 . 40 11 Rented to Citizens for Summer Gardens Water Provides by City 10 TUKWILA PARK 651h Ave 5o & So 153rd 51 Gesebo Picnic Tables I1 Covered) 3 Fire- places 4 Tennis Courts 12 Lighledl Natural Area Trails Reslrooms. Playground Appa- rales Playlield I Basketball Hoop I1 MCMICKEN HEIGHTS Corner of So 15015 51 8 Undeveloped Natural Park Trans PARK 51s1 Ave 5o 12 BICENTENNIAL Corner of Christensen Rd PARK 6 Slranaer Blvd 13 CHRISTENSEN West bank of Green River GREENBELT PARK between Slrander Blvd 9 So 19015 St 14 FIRE STATION PARK 444 Antlover Park East Log Cabin Picnic Tables 11 Coveredl Covered Fireplace. River Frontage Resp room Playground Apparatus {To be completed September. 19701 Picnic Tables River Frontage Duck Pond Jogging Trail (Appronimalely 1 Mile) Fitness Course Bicycle Racks Parking at Bicen. Iennial Park. Picnic Table I Basketball Hoop ADDITIONAL PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS A SHOWALTER JUNIOR 4628 South 14415 Street Baseball Soccer Play Fields Indoor HIGH SCHOOL classrooms. Goal (South Central School District) B TUKWILA ELEMEN- 5939 South 14910 Slreel Playlields Indoor classrooms Gyr TARY SCHOOL 150010 Central School District) C FORT DENT PARK (King Co Per05 Dept ) 15000 Interurban Ave So D SOUTHGATE ELE• 4101 So 13151 MENTARY SCHOOL (South Central School District) E SOUTH CENTRAL 4414 So 1441h POOL (King Co Parks Dept Picnic Table5. 4 Lighted Baseball Fields. 3 Soccer Fields 11 lighted) Duck Pond. Reslrooms Grandstand Sealing, Playground Apparatus Playlield PleyReld. Indoor classrooms. Gym Indoor Swimming Pool FREE FIREWOOD Anyone interested in some free firewood, contact Gene Isler at 575-0355. ♦••••••••••••••••••••s•••••••••••••••••••♦ 6 SUMMER ACTIVITIES The Tukwila Recreation Department has lots of ac- tivities to keep youngsters busy during summer vacation. Playgrounds — June 19 - August 10 — The playground programs will be held Monday and Wednes- day at Tukwila and Cascade Elementaries and Tuesday and Thursdays at Southgate and Thorndyke. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend. Day Camp — August 17 — Day Camp is being held at Tukwila City Park. It has been divided into four two-week sessions: Ages Kindergarten through third grade — June 19th - 29th Ages fourth grade through sixth grade — July 10th - 20th Ages fourth grade through sixth grade — July 24th - August 3rd Ages first grade through sixth grade — August 7th - August 17th And a two day preschool camp — July 5th and 6th Track Team — June 19th — Track practice will be held at each playground. Schedules for day and time may be picked up during the first week. Jesse Owens Meet — Students wishing to participate in the Jesse Owens Meet must have signed parent permission slips to the Recreation Office by June 19th. Slips may be picked up at the Recreation Department or at Tukwila, Thorndyke, Cascadeview and Southgate School offices. Tennis Team — June 26th — Tukwila City Park. Students will compete with other cities. Please supply tennis racket. Open to youngsters to age 18. Other events include Day Trips, Softball leagues, and tennis lessons. Please contact the Recreation Department, 242-2177 for more information. MEN'S SOFTBALL —By Dave Robbins— Men's slow -pitch began May 1 and sixteen teams entered. After four weeks of play in the National Division Thompson Tile 5-0, Tukwila Police 5-1, AFCO 3-2, Luigi's Restaurant 3-3, S.I. 2-2, Foremost 1-3, Farmer's 1-5, J.C. Penney 1-5. In the American Division Oscar Mayer 4-2, Lat. 47 Rainier Bank 3-1, Home Grown 3-1, Puget Power 3-2, Fidelity Finance 3-3, Boardwalk S. S. 3-2, Bertwell 1-5, and 3-M Co. 1-5. Come out and watch great softball action at Fort Dent Park on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.