Ruston parks and recreation ‘revisiting’ season cancellation

A decision made last week to cancel all Ruston Parks and Recreation fall activities is being revisited.

But what the outcome will be is still up in the air, Jay Ellington, Ruston’s administrative services director, who also oversees RPAR, said Friday.

For now, the fall season of soccer and flag football are canceled.

RPAR announced via social media last week that “with a heavy heart, we regret to inform you that all fall activities have been canceled until further notice.” The department cited Louisiana’s remaining under Phase Two of reopening.

Phase Two prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people.

All of the decisions and discussions surrounding them are a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ellington said the recreation agency surveyed fall sports participants, and about 60% of the respondents did not want to play this fall.

“With that, we were also in some transition on staff, so our ability to produce those events was not as strong as it used to be,” he said.

But since then, some of that has changed, Ellington said. However, even if the current decision is reversed and there is fall play, the seasons will be short and start later than usual, he said.

He said RPAR sports generally do not exceed the 50-person gathering limit.

The Ruston Sports Complex, where RPAR plays, is open and will be hosting some fall tournaments. Dixie Girls Softball and Ruston Dixie Baseball are playing fall ball.

On Thursday, the Buddy Ball of Ruston Board of Directors canceled their group’s fall season, citing concerns over COVID-19. Buddy Ball is a softball organization for special needs children.