KINGSTON, Ohio — The future of youth sports in Kingston is facing a major crisis as the president of the Kingston Youth League (KYL) publicly accused the current village council and administration of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to force the league out of the village park.
In a scathing statement issued by KYL President Don Clever, the league claims that new, aggressive contract terms put forth by municipal leaders are designed to financially destroy the program and overturn decades of established community precedent.
Unprecedented Fees Threaten League Survival
For decades, youth leagues utilizing Kingston’s parks operated under a standard, straightforward agreement: a $200 rental fee and reimbursement for any electric overages tied to concession stands and field lighting.
According to Clever, the village administration is now attempting to bypass that history by enforcing an unaltered contract that shifts massive financial liabilities onto the non-profit organization. The new terms include:
- Total Utility Demands: Forcing the league to pay full water, sewer, and electric bills, rather than just seasonal overages. Clever notes the village did not even know the location of the park’s water meter until the youth league pointed it out to them.
- Aggressive Storage and Trash Fees: Charging a $50 monthly storage fee per building during the off-season ($150 per month total), alongside a $50 per-instance trash fee applied to the entire park—regardless of whether the trash was generated by the league.
- Structural Liability: Requiring the youth league to pay for all repairs and maintenance to all park structures, including fixing damage the league did not cause.
- Operations Restrictions: Prohibiting any league fundraising activities at the park without prior village approval, and charging for utilities outside of strict contract dates.
Clever stated that when he submitted revisions and asked for clarification on the steep hikes, the village refused to negotiate, repeatedly sending back the exact same contract for a signature without explanation.
A Disparity in Village Priorities
The league argues that the village’s sudden financial hostility is particularly striking given the organization’s heavy self-investment. Over the last five years, KYL has completely funded and executed major park upgrades—including a new shelter house, a code-compliant concession stand renovation, a new scoreboard, updated field drainage, and fresh paint. The village contributed no money to these projects, which were funded entirely by community donors, sponsors, and grants.
Furthermore, Clever pointed out what he views as a glaring double standard in how the village council allocates tax dollars.
“The Kingston Pickleball League received more than $3,000 from the village for court painting/improvements and then proceeded to lock the courts, restricting public access,” Clever said, questioning why a public asset was locked up while youth baseball is being priced out.
The statement also called out the physical neglect of the park by municipal leaders, highlighting the deteriorating condition of the “Crow’s Nest” facility. The building reportedly suffers from rotting beams, structural decay, and a failing roof that leaks directly into electrical boxes. Despite the hazards, the village’s proposed contract requires the youth league to pay monthly storage fees for the building and take on the burden of repairing it. Clever noted that the structures in question were originally built years ago using youth baseball funds, not village money.
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
Beyond the impact on local children, the league warns that pushing youth sports out of the park will deal a severe economic blow to Kingston’s business district.
The Kingston Youth League and the Kingston Soccer League are the primary drivers of foot traffic into the village during the spring and summer months. According to league data, a typical Saturday brings between 500 and 1,000 visitors into the community, while weeknight games regularly draw 150 to 500 people who frequent local shops and gas stations.
Community Mobilization
With the season hanging in the balance, the youth league is urging parents, residents, and local business owners to pressure the village council to reinstate the historical contract structure.
“Our children deserve better. Our community deserves better. Our local businesses deserve better,” Clever stated.
The Kingston Youth League will hold a public meeting at the park on Sunday, June 7th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the contract standoff with residents. Additionally, the next Kingston Village Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the municipal building located behind Kingston National Bank, where supporters are expected to gather.
