Athletic Association Requests an Apology from Village Board Members

After trustees Norbert Smith and Carol Kyle expressed disappointment with the Evergreen Park Athletic Association (EPAA) about signage at Norris Field, the group issued a statement requesting an apology from the board members Thursday.

At Monday's , Trustee Smith pushed for a new sign at the baseball field, which was dedicated to former trustee Robert Norris in 1987. Smith said he had been trying to get the EPAA to replace the original sign on California Avenue for several years.

"I just wish the (Evergreen Park Athletic Association) could get off their butts and on their feet," said Smith at Monday's village board meeting.

Trustee Kyle, Norris' daughter, said “It’s a little bit disappointing." She said of the three newer signs at the field, none of them are facing California Ave.

In a statement issued Thursday, the EPAA Board said there is adequate signage recognizing Norris at the field.

"There are FOUR signs up at the field that recognize Mr. Norris. Three of the four signs cost the league, which is a non-for-profit, over $1,000 out of its own pockets. There is one in left field, right field and a MAIN sign hanging on the crow’s nest that is the symbol of our Association. There is also a sign on our scoreboard."

The association said that it's always had a great relationship with Mayor James Sexton, Clerk Catherine Aparo and the village board, "But we are dismayed that Trustee Smith, who we have never seen up at the field and has never contacted us on any issue, and Trustee Kyle, who we have never seen up at the field other than to honor Mr. Norris, would speak ill of our league and volunteers in such a manner."

The EPAA board asked the village board members for an apology, "so we can all move on from their misunderstanding of the facts."