Softball league participants upset over field permit being revoked by NYC

Awilda Cordero tells News 12 the team has been playing at that field every Saturday, a tradition that has been happening for years.

News 12 Staff

Jun 4, 2022, 10:02 PM

Updated 931 days ago

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Members of the Old Times Softball League are upset after NYC Parks took away their permit to play on the field at Noble Park.
Awilda Cordero tells News 12 the team has been playing at that field every Saturday, a tradition that has been happening for years.
“These guys, as you see, they're playing ball, they're not bothering no one,” she said. “And with all the crime that's going on, we don't need to lose our permit and have these guys in the streets."
In documents shared with News 12, NYC Parks states that the league has violated rules and permit conditions, such as alcohol consumption, public urination, loud amplified music during games and barbecuing outside of designated areas. These complaints all led to the revoking of all current permits associated with the league.
However, in the league’s letter formally appealing NYC Parks' decision, they state that although they are aware of the complaints made, they have tried to maintain and create an environment where families can enjoy the game and time together, all while following NYC Parks' protocols. They pointed out they purchased a porta-potty for residents to use with their own money and those occurrences that happen outside of the fences are simply out of their control.
"We have no control of that,” added Cordero. “You know, our control is from the gate on here to the baseball team, let them play their games and then they go home."
"It's relaxing for us," said member David Gelpi. "But to be shut down like this in the middle of the game without any explanation, it is frustrating. It's profoundly frustrating.”