Wasilla parks commission again takes up memo backing new Bumpus softball fields

Wasilla's Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday, Nov. 18, will again take up a memo supporting the Mat-Su Softball Association's plans for new ballfields and improvements at Bumpus Recreation Area. The memo is listed as unfinished business on the agenda for the 6 pm meeting at City Hall. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.

The commission voted in September to back the memo, which is meant to show the City Council the commission's support for the project. On Sept. 9, Commissioner Reese Clayton moved to accept it, Commissioner Dan Fleckenstein seconded and all three commissioners present, including Chair Dave Tuttle, voted in favor, the minutes show. Commissioner Meghan Montagne was absent, and Seat A is vacant. Tuttle said he will miss the Nov. 18 meeting.

Fleckenstein is the softball association's president. At the September meeting he said the association started a five-year plan about two years ago and had an engineering firm put together a detailed plan, which it shared with the city, the meeting record shows. The association's 2026 guide lists a goal of working with the city to add two more fields and more parking.

Recreational Services Director Scott Bell, the city's staff liaison to the commission, pointed to a citywide parks master plan. The city was reviewing proposals for it in September. "It'll address softball, it'll address the parks, it'll address the tennis court," Bell said. He said the plan has been funded, and once a vendor is chosen, timelines, priorities and funding will be laid out.

The commission will also set its 2027 meeting dates. Its next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13.