Soccer fields

A lifelong Wasco resident asked the council to budget for a dedicated soccer park, saying kids here have gone years without fields while every neighboring town has them.

A 20-year resident and father said he drives to Delano twice a week so his son can play soccer, challenged the council to build a park or sports complex, and noted Wasco's last new park was 35 years ago.

Representing new youth club Rose Town FC, said Wasco has no soccer fields — kids rely on schools that keep raising insurance costs, and teams travel to Shafter and McFarland to play.

Speaking for parents backing the soccer field request, said park grass is in terrible shape and parks lack lighting, making play nearly impossible.

A soccer mom of over 20 years — her son started at age five and is now 26 — said Wasco still has no soccer field and asked for something local for kids and grandkids.

A 24-year resident who said it's embarrassing that Wasco lacks a sports complex compared to Desert Hills, Shafter, and Delano — and that kids end up leaving the community.

Also speaking for Rose Town FC, said families commute 45 minutes to Bakersfield to play and kids risk trouble jumping fences at Wasco High to practice; the rec program has no soccer field either.