By Ali Moreland
The Ponce de Leon Athletics (PDLA) Board held a community forum on January 22 to provide updates on the upcoming youth baseball, softball, and teeball season and to engage the community following concerns about program oversight and team organization.
The forum followed a January 12 special City Council meeting where parents, coaches, PDLA board members, and city council members discussed issues from the current basketball season, including team formation practices and overall competitive balance. Council members at that meeting emphasized concerns about player experience and transparency within the program.
During the January 22 forum, PDLA board members outlined plans for the 2026 baseball, softball, and teeball season, reviewed the organization’s mission and goals, and encouraged community involvement. Going forward, the board stated it plans to hold community forums prior to and immediately following the basketball and baseball seasons, with meeting minutes provided.
It was noted that there is currently one open position on the PDLA Board and that bylaws are being reviewed and updated to potentially expand the number of board seats. The board also announced plans to establish committees, each led by a board member, to address areas such as concessions, field maintenance, and individual sports seasons. Community members interested in serving on the PDLA Board were encouraged to submit an application for consideration, with applications due by January 29. The board also noted updates to its code of conduct, which were distributed at the meeting and are available to families and participants.
The board provided an update on facility improvements as well, announcing that the new storage building at the baseball fields has been completed and will be ready for use during the upcoming season.
The meeting concluded with a time for community questions and discussion, allowing parents and coaches the opportunity to offer feedback directly to the board.
“I hope it shows that we are trying to improve, that we are trying to be more transparent. We want all the help we can get, extra board members or whatever it may be,” PDLA Board Secretary Marissa Smith stated. She encouraged, “If anything arises, then please find someone on the board to bring it up to so we can rectify it or explain it…because we want to be better.”
PDLA shared key upcoming dates, including a Diamond Youth Sports state meeting on January 31, a coaches meeting on February 6, and draft day on February 7, and encouraged families with ways to stay informed moving forward, with multiple means of communication.
Staff Report 