Flooded Fields and Dashed Dreams

The recent flooding of the Knoop Baseball Complex exposes the community's priorities

A picture of the recently flooded Knoop Baseball Complex shared on social media

Earlier this week, Mr. Wade Westfall shared the following observations on social media:

“Let’s Do Right by Our Kids—Once and For All.”

Every time it rains hard in Troy, our kids lose.

They lose games. They lose seasons. They lose the chance to run the bases, build friendships, and learn life lessons on the field. Why? Because we continue to send them to baseball diamonds built in a floodplain.

You don’t need a committee or consultant to tell you what these images show—those fields are under water again. Once more, our children’s games are canceled, our families are frustrated, and volunteer hours and dollars are literally floating downstream.

This isn’t new. It’s not surprising. And it’s not acceptable.

We’ve taken this issue to the voters three times—but those proposals were bundled by mistakes and add-ons that distracted from the simple, urgent truth: our kids need safe, playable fields that don’t flood.

Now look at the photos that are of dry land taken the same day, high and dry—that is Duke Park. That is land the city already owns. The land was purchased years ago by the generosity of the Pat & Thom Robinson Fund, Paul G Duke Foundation, our Miami County Park District and the city. It’s dry, it’s accessible, and it’s ready. And most importantly, it’s out of the floodplain.

Troy has made meaningful investments in our community over the years—but not all of them have touched the everyday lives of our families. Now, we have a chance to focus on something that does. Something that directly supports our kids, our values.

Let’s stop kicking this can down the road. Let’s stop asking our kids to wait. It’s time to invest in their future—not just with words, but with action.

Let’s build these fields on higher ground. Let’s give our children, our families, volunteers and this community the facilities they deserve.

We’ve waited long enough. Let’s finally do what’s right.

Mr. Westfall’s words deserve careful study and a thoughtful response.

Every spring, Troy Junior Baseball faces the same frustrating reality: their fields, located in a floodplain, are submerged after heavy rains. Games are canceled, seasons are disrupted, and children lose opportunities to play, bond, and grow. This isn’t a new problem—it’s been happening for years. Yet, despite repeated attempts to address it through voter proposals, progress has been nonexistent. The reasons often cited—costs or logistical hurdles—mask a deeper truth: we haven’t valued these improvements enough to make them happen.

Mr. Westfall’s heartfelt plea for action on Troy’s youth baseball facilities shines a spotlight on this lack of investment in spaces that serve the community’s youngest residents. His words resonate deeply because they highlight not just the practical challenges of flooded baseball fields but also the broader question of how we, as a community, prioritize our values and plan for the future. It’s time to confront these challenges with a sense of clarity and conviction.

As Mr. Westfall aptly points out, the solution is clear and already within reach. Duke Park, a dry and accessible piece of land owned by the city, offers a perfect alternative. Purchased years ago through generous contributions from local foundations and organizations, this land is ready to be transformed into safe, playable fields for our children. What’s missing isn’t feasibility—it’s action. Mr. Westfall rightly points out that this isn’t just about baseball; it’s about investing in our kids and their future.

Recreation plays a vital role in shaping strong communities and healthy families. When children have access to well-maintained parks, sports fields, and facilities, they gain more than just physical benefits—they develop social skills, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging that ties them to their community. These spaces also serve as hubs for families to connect and engage with one another, creating tighter-knit neighborhoods where people look out for each other. Yet in Troy, many recreational investments seem to cater disproportionately to older or more affluent demographics.

Consider recent projects like the pickleball courts at Herrlinger Park or the million-dollar bike path along South Crawford Street. While these initiatives undoubtedly enhance the community’s offerings, their primary audience skews older. Similarly, efforts to improve access to the Great Miami River for kayaking highlight recreational pursuits popular among adults rather than children. These investments are valuable but leave younger residents underserved.

Meanwhile, facilities for kids often struggle to receive adequate attention or funding. Youth football games at Duke Park require rented lights just to ensure safety during evening play. The Joe Reardon Skatepark remains in need of upgrades as an active community works to improve it. These examples underscore a troubling trend: recreation for children has taken a backseat in favor of projects that appeal to other segments of the population.

This imbalance matters because how we treat our youngest residents today shapes the future of our community. If we fail to invest in spaces where children can play and thrive, we risk losing them—not just as kids but as future adults who might choose not to return or settle in Troy. Creating a community where young families feel valued is essential for long-term growth and vitality.

The debate over cost versus value is central here. Yes, building new fields or upgrading existing facilities requires upfront spending. But the value these investments bring—stronger community ties and increased engagement—far outweighs the initial expense. Communities with robust recreational programs tend to see higher property values and attract new residents and businesses. They also benefit economically from events like youth sports tournaments that draw visitors from outside the area.

Any development of new athletic fields for the community could reasonably be expected to generate significant positive economic impact for the local community, now and in the future, underscoring the value such investments bring to the community.

These fields could reasonably attract regional and potentially statewide tournaments and events, driving increased visitation to the area. This influx of visitors would benefit local businesses including hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments, stimulating job creation and boosting local tax revenues. Additionally, the new fields would enhance the city’s appeal as a destination for youth sports and recreation, encouraging further investment and supporting long-term economic growth in the region.

Right now we are in the midst of a municipal election; candidates are emphasizing fiscal restraint while promising improvements to quality of life. But when we see flooded ballfields year after year or underfunded parks struggling for attention, it begs the question: whose lives are we truly improving? If we aren’t willing to prioritize investments that directly benefit our youngest residents now, we shouldn’t be surprised when they leave town without looking back.

Mr. Westfall’s call to action is both timely and necessary. Relocating Troy Junior Baseball fields to Duke Park is an obvious first step—a tangible way to show that we value our kids and their future. Beyond this immediate need, however, lies a broader challenge: balancing recreational spending so that it serves all generations equitably.

This isn’t about pitting one group against another; it’s about recognizing that every segment of our community deserves thoughtful investment. Adults benefit from pickleball courts and bike paths just as much as children benefit from safe sports fields and modern skateparks. The key is ensuring that no group is left behind in the process.

And frankly, it’s unfair to burden community groups to ask for such improvements at the ballot box. This community has plans to put in bicycle and recreational trails, pickleball courts and kayak launches and has made improvements to Miami Shores Golf Course all without having to resort to special tax levys approved by voters. The community has developed a bad habit; if the city wants something recreational for children, voters must be involved. If it’s recreational for adults, no need to ask the voters their thoughts.

Troy has an opportunity here—not just to solve a long-standing problem but to demonstrate its commitment to all its residents. By investing in recreation for children today, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger community tomorrow—one where families feel supported and young people see a future worth staying for.

Like Mr. Westfall said, let’s stop kicking this can down the road. Let’s stop asking our kids to wait while other priorities take precedence. It’s time to act—not just with words but with meaningful change that reflects our values as a community. Let’s do right by our kids—once and for all—and build a Troy they’ll be proud to call home for generations to come. Dry baseball fields would be a great start!

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