Tulsa, Okla. – Stephen Skocik, the director overseeing the city’s Hilti and Savage Parks little‑league facilities, told local reporters that the programs are thriving despite recent criticism. He emphasized a 20% increase in park usage this year and highlighted efforts to expand girls’ softball, special‑needs baseball and co‑ed teams for Tulsa youth.

Facility improvements and community investment

When Skocik took over the lease in 2022, the parks required extensive repairs. “There were no bases, no mounds, all the anchors were stripped out,” he explained. “We had to replace fixtures, add soap dispensers, hand heaters, paper‑towel dispensers, and even replace the toilets.” He said the renovation costs are covered by the revenue generated from tournaments, which is then reinvested back into the facilities.

Affordability and scholarships

Skocik stressed that the league strives to keep participation affordable. “Our prices start at $24 a practice, and we offer large group coupons that you can’t get anywhere else,” he said. He also noted that the program provides thousands of dollars in scholarships for families who cannot afford the fees, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to play.

Program growth and tournament activity

According to Skocik, the parks host 40 to 50 tournaments each year, drawing roughly 600 little‑league players to Hilti alone. He pointed out that the increase in usage reflects both the demand for quality youth sports and the success of recent upgrades.

Addressing concerns about softball availability

Critics have questioned the availability of girls’ softball. Skocik explained a recent adjustment: “We had two girls’ softball t‑ball teams, and rather than have them play each other repeatedly, we offered those players the option to join baseball teams with parental approval. The result was 21 t‑ball teams across the parks.” He said the decision was made to provide more playing opportunities while maintaining safety and enjoyment for the children.

Looking ahead

Skocik remains committed to the mission of expanding youth sports in Tulsa. “We’re the largest little‑league operation in the area, and we’ll continue to grow girls’ softball, special‑needs baseball, and co‑ed programs,” he said. He acknowledged that criticism will continue, but he believes the improvements and community focus will speak for themselves.

Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.