Meanwhile, new subdivisions and businesses are locating on land that could have been used for recreation. Property has been too expensive or the owners reluctant to sell, Thomas said. Almost 1,200 northern Anderson children play soccer or baseball at the 25-acre Hurricane Spring Park composed of five baseball and softball diamonds and four tennis courts, Thomas estimated. Teams also play on area church and school fields. The soccer club experienced a 15-percent membership boost this season to 400, Weldon said.
Teams often play on baseball outfields converted to soccer fields.
If it's 30 kids, that's three teams. If it's 100 kids, that's 10 teams each playing 12 games. Games begin at 9 a.m. many Saturdays and continue until after dark. Some games last until 11 p.m. on school nights. The schools are full, the land is being eaten up by subdivisions and if we're not careful, we'll lose our quality of life.