By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Members of PlayJC.org informed the Geary County Commission Monday about their desire to spend the next six months working to transition into new programs including inviting outside participants to visit the Junction City area for tournaments.
They asked the commission for $7,860 to continue to pay the salary of their one employee, build on what they have in place, and to host new tournaments that attract visitors to the region. PlayJC.org has worked to establish a website where there is central information focusing on youth sports in the region, and where you can volunteer.
Committee spokesman Kendall Schoenrock said they’re focused on trying to provide new assumptions on tournaments and other activities going into the winter and spring of next year. “The specific request is to help us prove the assumptions that we have about the next steps with this group. ” Schoenrock added that they are seeking some county assistance. “Maybe the next conversation is for us to go and pass the hat and see what other community funds are out there. We’re seeing a lot of good traction with PlayJC and we’re excited to see where this goes.”
Terrah Stroda with PlayJC.org wants to see tournaments in Junction City. ” I want more people coming to Junction City, eating here, staying here, enjoying our new playground and looking at this town as potential, not only just for a weekend but perhaps even longer than that.”
The county commission was supportive of the funding request but took no final action. They directed PlayJC.org to speak with the convention and visitor’s bureau, who could make a recommendation to the governing body. Commission Chairman Charles Stimatze said the county will see what they can come up with. “We’ll see what’s out there and see what we can do.”
The elected officials noted that there is some funding in the county’s Parks and Recreation budget and there is money available in a one cent transient guest tax fund that could possibly be used for special projects.
Schoenrock noted a lot of local youth are going out of town mostly due to availability and not necessarily due to better coaching. PlayJC.org wants the activities to be in Junction City, and there have been people approaching them about holding tournaments. He noted a request for $10,000 to $15,000 could go to the City late this year, assuming PlayJC.org hits all of their other milestones. Their intent is to collaborate with Junction City Parks and Recreation.
Stimatze noted that it will be important to make different entities understand that PlayJC.org doesn’t want to take over, but just wants to help. Schoenrock also noted that they are not attempting to change leagues, while Stroda pointed to a desire for a private – public sector collaboration.
PlayJC.org is connected to the Quality Play for All Committee that is working to upgrade the 5th Street Playground Park.