The Springville City Council held a council meeting on Monday, May 7 with a large presence from the community in attendance.  Among the topics discussed were the formation and appointment of the new Springville City Recreation Board. The Board will currently hold eight seats and the council will soon appoint a ninth member. The members announced are Chip Martin, Mike Ennis, Alex Wolf, Carol Edwards, Doug Morrison, Beth Wingate, Scott Walker, and Lisa Rayburn.

The main issue of the meeting was the council’s vote concerning the future funding of the Softball and Baseball Parks. There was a large community presence of concerned parents and coaches for the vote. Mayor Isley opened the floor for discussion before the vote and several citizens and coaches voiced their concerns with most supporting construction of a new ballpark. Many coaches and parents cited the success and increased revenues of nearby cities that have built ballpark facilities that can host travel ball teams and tournaments. The crowd was at standing room only. 

The first vote concerning the ballparks was a proposal for the city to take out a bond to fund the construction of new ball fields at the Springville Station Recreational Park adjacent to Walmart at a cost of $5 million. That vote came in at a 4-4 split, therefore the motion was defeated.

Mayor Isley encouraged the city council to propose an alternative plan at a lesser amount. Councilman David Vinson of District 2 proposed a motion to earmark $650,000 in reserve city funds to upgrade the existing baseball and softball park on Village Springs Road and add lighting to the practice field at the Springville Station Park. That motion passed. 

The Mayor announced that renovations to the existing ballpark at Village Springs Road would begin as soon as possible. The city will improve parking, lighting and drainage at the existing ballpark and renovate the buildings. The possibility of expanding parking at the existing ballpark was also discussed.

The voting result was met with mixed emotions. Many citizens were glad to see funds allocated for youth sports, but the general mood was disappointment that the Springville Station Park would remain incomplete. Mayor Isley expressed his hope to complete the Springville Station Park now rather than in the years to come.