Protecting play: Opelika parks rolls out new plan to preserve West Ridge sports

OPELIKA, Ala. — The City of Opelika is implementing new field access guidelines at the West Ridge Sports Complex in an effort to better preserve the 35-year-old facility and ensure safe, quality conditions for local teams.

Parks & Recreation Director Sam Bailey says the new plan is designed to balance open community use with responsible management.

New guidelines: During Rec & Dixie Youth Season (March–early July):

• Monday–Thursday: Fields will be locked unless officially scheduled through the West Ridge facility manager.

• Friday–Sunday: Fields remain open unless reserved by Perfect Game, which is contracted to use up to 28 weekends annually.

After Rec Season:

• Monday–Thursday: Fields remain locked unless reserved online.

• Friday–Sunday: Open for public use unless reserved. Fields can still be booked through the reservation system.

Bailey said one of the biggest challenges has been teams arriving at the facility without notifying staff, leading to confusion when fields are found locked.

“We’ve had teams show up expecting to use the fields, but if we don’t have their schedule, we can’t open them in advance,” Bailey said. “When Dixie Youth sends us their schedule, we make the fields available as needed.”

To further support local teams, Bailey said the West Ridge supervisor—who lives in the nearby Hidden Lakes neighborhood—has been instructed to assist any Dixie Youth All-Star team that reaches out directly.

“We consider Dixie Youth a close partner,” Bailey said. “We’re committed to doing everything we can to help their program succeed in Opelika.”

Bailey said the changes are necessary to maintain the facility long-term while continuing to serve the needs of the broader community.

“With your cooperation,” he added, “we can ensure West Ridge remains a well-maintained, high-quality complex for years to come.”

For questions or to reserve a field, contact Opelika Parks & Recreation.