ODEM, Texas — For generations, the Odem Little League has called the Jesse Rodriquez Senior Sports Complex home, however the organization is now facing a lack of funding, making it difficult for them to upgrade the fields.
Over 200 children play during baseball season and another 100 children play soccer and flag football on the fields.
Resident and mother Amanda Alfaro grew up playing on these fields and said local children rely on the fields.
The little league is struggling to improve several areas of the aging space such as getting new bleachers, handicap parking accessibility, a concession stand and more.
"Because it's been here for decades, a lot of things that need updating, for example we don't have one functioning scoreboard in the field," Alfaro said. "We have slowly been changing a field for softball for girls. It's just across the board so many improvements that could be done to make this such a nicer park."
She said since the little league is a nonprofit they fundraise often but a majority of that money goes to their regular maintenance of the fields.
The City of Odem used to help fund the nonprofit organization, but budget cuts have taken away those funds. Mayor David Maldonado said the city still tries to help out by paying for the electricity, maintaining the fields and with other necessary repairs.
"Unfortunately, over the last few years the city hasn't really been in a position financially to assist much I mean we help as much as we can," Maldonado said.
The mayor said the Odem Little Fields mean a lot to community, especially to him. He once played on the fields and now he's gets to see his grandchildren play on them as well. He's hoping donors and sponsors will step up to help the little league because it can make a big difference.
Alfaro said at this point, it's necessary to make upgrades to the complex to ensure children can continue to play there for years to come.
"I mean what if they choose to stay in this community, I want their kids to be able to use it too and if it stays in its current condition, I don't know how much longer it will last," she said. "So, just upgrading to keep it for our current generation and keep it nice and something proud of for the future generations to come."