Changes, plans address needs at CYS

By Barbara L. Sellers, Northwest Guardian

New and refurbished facilities should enhance youth sports programs on Fort Lewis this year. To meet the needs of the growing number of families on post, Child and Youth Services recently made some changes and set other plans in motion aimed at the convenience of its customers — the children participating in CYS activities in Fort Lewis facilities and their parents.

CYS moved its sports and activities registration site July 28 from Building 2166 next to Information, Tickets and Tours, to Building 2295 — the Teen Zone.

“To accommodate families, the idea was to make things more convenient for parents by having a one-stop shop for all family-related services and youth sports under one roof,” said Denis Senftner, non-appropriated funds resource manager. “Space was limited at the previous location,” he said. “By having registration services in Building 2295, it allows us to colocate Youth Outreach Services, youth sports, youth gyms and the youth computer lab all in one place.”

Parents love the registration setup with its new waiting area, said Outreach Services Director, Antoinette Walker.

“Now we have four walk-up service windows for parents to register their kids in youth programs,” she said. “We also take payments for everything right here at the front counter, and that has really cut down on the waiting time.”

Plans have been made for a $1.2 million construction and renovation project of youth sports fields, Senftner said. The crown jewels of the new multi-purpose sports complex will be several general-purpose youth playing fields to be constructed at the corner of 17th Street and Pierce Avenue.

The area between 16th and 17th Streets and Pierce and Washington avenues has been cleared and is ready to be graded, seeded and fenced, Senftner said, with provisions made for irrigation and power.

In addition to the new fields, the project includes renovation of three existing sports fields located at 12th Street and Bitar — for Coho, King and Coach Pitch. All three will be upgraded to comply with Little League standards.

“Coho Field will undergo the most extensive upgrades and it will become our showcase field,” Senftner said. “The ... improvements at Coho will include lighting, a permanent scoring system, a permanent in-ground irrigation system, a good-quality turf, new back stops and dugouts.”

Improvements at King and Coach Pitch fields are intended to provide good quality youth baseball fields with above-ground hydrant irrigation, new turf and quality equipment, he said.

“A concrete slab, power and water connections will be added, too, for a future concession stand and portable toilets,” Senftner said.

According to CYS Sports and Fitness director, Cynthia Williams-Patnoe, the construction and renovation projects will interfere with ongoing youth sports as little as possible.

“Construction of the fields will be done in phases,” she said. “We are working on a plan with the contractor to have minimal impact on the playing seasons.”

Williams-Patnoe said patrons should understand that the ball field upgrades will not change the focus of the CYS sports program.

“Child and Youth Services sports are recreational leagues inclusive of all youth who want to learn the fundamentals of the game and just have fun,” she said. “What we have to offer might not be a good fit for more serious players.”

Parents of children with advanced skills or highly competitive players may want to consider off-post alternatives available in the community, Williams-Patnoe said.

Tina Freitas said it’s especially important to have children involved in sports during parents’ deployments.

“I have three children registered in youth sports,” said Freitas, herself the wife of a Soldier in Iraq. “When my kids play sports, it helps to keep their minds focused on things that are fun, instead of their dad being gone.”

Spouses of deployed Soldiers and Department of Defense civilians can register their children free for up to two CYS team- or individual sports.

“I really appreciate that,” Freitas said. “I also like getting 16 hours of free respite care (per child per month). I use that a lot.” Families with deployed spouses also get cost reductions of $2 per child per hour for hourly care that extends beyond the free respite care hours.

Central Registration hours at the Teen Zone are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call 967-2494.