Johnson City Parks and Recreation Special points of interest: ~ Winged Deer a Hit for Softball ~ Administration Highlights ~ Athletic Division Highlights ~ Park Services Division Highlights ~ Golf Division Highlights ~ Recreation Services Division Highlights
A Walk in the Park Your Parks and Recreation Connection I s s u e : 7
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Winged Deer a Hit for Softball Tourneys Two major girl’s fastpitch softball tournaments filled Winged Deer Park and other local fields this month with color, chatter, camaraderie and intense competition. Johnson City Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Brenda Whitson estimated the total economic impact of the two tournaments at more than $7.2 million. The Future Stars of Sports World Series sported 76 teams from 13 states July 15-18, featuring 10U, 12U, 14U and a high school division. Teams played at Winged Deer Park, Ridgeview Elementary School and White Top Creek Park in Bristol, Tennessee. “When I first started this, I didn’t even know where Johnson City was,” said Future Stars of Sports founder Ron Ray. “But I learned about the fields and drove down and visited the area. This would have been our 11th consecutive year there if it weren’t for the pandemic. It was a modest 34 teams that first year. We just love Winged Deer, and we have a really good relationship with the people there.”
Say Hello to Charles Ridlehuber Assistant Director Charles joins the team from Bluefield, West Virginia, where he served as Parks and Recreation Director. Welcome aboard!
The USA Girl’s 14U Class “A” National Championships followed on July 2025 with fierce competition at Winged Deer Park and Ridgeview. The tournament, which Johnson City has hosted for the past 25 years, included more than 70 teams from across the country. Pool play began on July 20-21, and bracket play continued July 22-24. The championship game on Sunday, July 25 was played at Winged Deer Park. “Winged Deer Park has phenomenal athletic services, including its maintenance of the fields to hospitality,” said Tina Gale, tournament director. “The players and coaches keep wanting to come back here.”
Opening ceremonies for both tournaments were held at TVA Credit Union Ballpark, home of the Johnson City Doughboys.