Unlock Opportunities with the New Little River Academy Field
Improving the Playing Fields
In 2022, Bacon initiated much-needed improvements to the existing fields. He took down the old fencing and has been gradually renovating one field at a time. This dedication to providing the best playing surfaces for the kids in the area is truly remarkable. The new challenger field, specifically designed for children with disabilities, is a game-changer. Last year, there were 12 kids signed up in the challenger division, but they had to be sent elsewhere due to lack of facilities. Now, with this new field, more kids will have the chance to participate and thrive.Not only are the fields being updated, but also the surrounding infrastructure. Bacon emphasized the need to update the parking area. When kids are getting out of vans, buses, or using wheelchairs, there are currently no accessible paths or sidewalks. Additionally, the bathrooms need to be made wheelchair accessible to ensure everyone can enjoy the facilities. These improvements are crucial for creating a truly inclusive environment.
The Impact on Players
Current and former players have expressed their excitement about these changes. Journee White, who was on the 22-23 senior softball league and grew up in Academy, has been coming to these fields since she was four. Her sister also played little league here, and she is thrilled to see the improvements. Braelynn Hendricks, a part of the 2024 junior softball league with a few more years left in the league, is super excited and ready to start playing on the new fields. These players understand the value of having quality facilities and are eager to make the most of them.The construction of the new field is not just about providing a place to play; it's about creating memories and opportunities. For these kids, little league is more than just a sport; it's a part of their lives. With the new field, they will have the chance to grow, develop their skills, and make lifelong friendships.
Fundraising and Community Support
According to Bacon, the total cost of this project is approximately $200,000. While Texas Stone is providing significant assistance, they still need the support of the community to cover the remaining expenses. George Barrientos from Texas Stone emphasized the importance of everyone coming together to help. By making a donation on their website or sponsoring them, individuals can contribute to making this dream a reality.There is a great deal of opportunity in the Waco area for little league, but in this specific area, such facilities are lacking. Bacon's passion is to bring this opportunity to the residents here, as they deserve it. With the help of the community, they hope to have the field completed and ready for the spring 2025 season.
If you would like to support the Little River Academy Little League, you can make a donation on their website or become a sponsor. Let's come together and help these kids achieve their dreams on the new field.Unlock the Potential of the Baileys Trail System
Trail Development in Buchtel
Buchtel Village Council member Jay Kline, who also serves on the ORCA board, emphasizes the growth and importance of what Buchtel has to offer. The development of the Baileys trails in and around Buchtel is seen as a game-changer. It not only enhances outdoor recreation but also holds the potential to boost economic development in the village. Kline calls the upcoming development of the Buchtel–Snowfork Trailhead the “biggest thing to happen in Buchtel since the discovery of coal.” This trailhead is slated for development in 2025 and will connect the Baileys to new areas, opening up a world of possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts and local businesses alike.With the addition of 25-29 miles of new trails, the Baileys will expand to 83–87 miles, nearly reaching the 88 miles ORCA has promised. The construction began in November and is progressing steadily. While the total mileage to be added is uncertain due to the variability of conditions along the routes, the excitement among stakeholders is palpable.
Connecting to the Future
The new trails will not only enhance the existing Baileys Trail System but also connect it to the site of the future Buchtel–Snowfork Trailhead. This connection is crucial as it provides a seamless experience for trail users and paves the way for further growth and development. ORCA Director Jessie Powers is ecstatic about the progress, stating that the larger group of stakeholders started planning this project in 2016 and is now nearing completion in less than a decade. Securing millions of dollars for a recreation asset of this scale is no small feat, especially in Ohio where such projects are not commonly undertaken.The dynamic nature of trail construction in the Wayne National Forest, which was once “basically an area stripped to the bedrock” by extraction, adds an extra layer of challenge. However, the team is committed to ensuring long-term trail sustainability by properly compacting the trail surface during dry conditions. This attention to detail will ensure that the trails remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Expanding Trails in Multiple Locations
In addition to the trails near Buchtel and north of State Route 685, other trails are planned in various locations. Trails near the Doanville trailhead, off of Utah Ridge and Coal Run Road, and near Big Bailey Run Road are all part of the expansion plan. This widespread development will make the Baileys Trail System more accessible and attractive to a wider range of users.Whether you are a local resident looking for a new outdoor adventure or a tourist seeking to explore the beauty of Appalachia, the Baileys Trail System has something to offer. With its near-completion and the promise of continued growth, it is set to become a major attraction in the region.
Unveiling the Construction Industry's November Dynamics
Backlog Insights
The backlog reading showed a slight decrease of 0.1 months to 8.4 months across the country compared to November 2023. Infrastructure emerged as the sole category with a higher backlog on a year-over-year basis. In commercial and institutional sectors, the backlog remained at 8.5 months. Additionally, the heavy industrial backlog witnessed an increase from 8.1 months to 8.7 months from October's figures. Construction backlogs are longest in the South, averaging 9.4 months, and shortest in the middle states at 7.7 months. In the Northeast, it stands at 8 months, and in the West, it is 8.6 months.This detailed analysis of the backlog provides a clear picture of the regional variations and sector-specific trends within the construction industry.
It helps stakeholders understand the current state of the market and make informed decisions based on these figures.
Confidence Trends
ABC's data clearly shows that confidence is on the rise in the construction industry. In November, readings in its Construction Confidence Index for sales, profit margins, and staffing levels all improved. These readings remained above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months.Most members (51.6%) anticipate small increases in sales, with 23% expecting no change. About 10% predicted a significant increase, while 16% expected a decrease. Regarding profit margins, about 60% of members expect an increase, 44% expect no change, and 17% expect a decrease. Half of the members stated that staffing levels will have a small increase, while 35% expect no change.
This data on confidence and its various aspects gives valuable insights into the industry's future prospects and the expectations of its members.
Economist's Perspective
ABC chief economist Anirban Basu noted that "Contractor confidence surged in November even though backlog was unchanged for the month." This sudden improvement in confidence is attributed to increased policy certainty following November's presidential election. Contractors are optimistic about the prospect of falling borrowing costs in the next several quarters.Despite the contraction in the commercial and institutional and heavy industry categories last month, contractors expect increased activity in privately financed segments during the next six months.
This perspective offers a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the construction industry and the expectations of its key players.