TODAY’S TOPICS: MOTHER NATURE AND FAST PITCH TOURNAMENT ECONOMICS

I hope as you are reading this you and your surroundings are dry or on the way to drying out.  The down pours of the past few days have been challenging for both residents and the City.  We have been responding as quickly as we can to the challenges caused by 4.5 inches of rain falling in just a few hours on Tuesday.  Just to give you an idea, the Black River was 1.4 feet over flood stage on Tuesday afternoon and by midnight it was 7.99 feet above. 

That being said, please know that members of my administration understand that there are neighborhood concerns related to an aging infrastructure and our Engineering Department is in the process of conducting an assessment to address the issues over time.  As funds are available the City is slip lining older sewer lines as a cost-effective way of modernizing the system and helping to address flooding issues.  To report water in your basement between 8:00am and 4:30pm call the Waste Water Pollution Control Plant at 366-221.  After hours, please call the Elyria Police Department Dispatch at 323-3302.   

And thanks to the Elyria Parks and Recreation Department and the Elyria Tournament Softball Committee every hotel within 20 miles of Elyria is full this weekend as the City of Elyria hosts the 2013 USA/ASA Class 18 U Girls’ Fast Pitch State Tournament.  Scheduled for June 28, 29 and 30 at the West Park Softball Complex, 32 teams will be competing from across the state, bringing with them 1500 -2000 visitors.  The City of Elyria and our hotels and restaurants are thrilled to host this state-wide event. 

If you have some time this weekend, wander over to West Park and see all the excitement for yourself.  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about what the City of Elyria has to offer in the way of recreational facilities.  The complex has four lighted softball diamonds with 200 foot portable fences for each field.  In addition, West Park has both indoor and outdoor restrooms, concession stands and convenient parking – as well as a recreation center, soccer fields, a skate park, picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts and a playground.  Join us.  You’ll be glad you did!