For Life After 50

The population of Colorado Springs and El Paso County continues to steadily grow. Demographics indicate that as the baby boomer generation continues to retire, a number of these retirees will do so in Colorado.

Estimates are that El Paso county will experience more growth in senior population than any other county in the next 20 years. We believe that a number of the retirees will be looking for something to do to stay active and we believe senior softball will fill the bill for some of you.

Colorado Springs has had senior softball leagues for a number of years starting with an over 50 league that started play at Memorial Park. A number of years later a 60s league was started at 4 Diamonds off Nevada Avenue which no longer exists, and two years ago a 70s league was added because those involved got tired of traveling to Denver and farther north to participate in a Wednesday league up and down the front range.

Recently, those who were on the various boards with each league came together to discuss what we should do going forward. A seven person board is now working the issues to bring all three leagues under one umbrella so everyone is on the same page with registration fees, playing rules, awards, etc. The new organization is called Pikes Peak Region Senior Softball Association (PPRSSA) and the board will be the governing body for everyone wishing to play senior softball.

The senior softball league will commence play in 2020 the last week in April and the season will run for 18 to 20 weeks through the end of September with weeks off for holidays and a mid season break. The over 50 league, includes women over 40, will play on Monday nights at Skyview Park. The over 60s, includes women over 50, will also play at Skyview on Friday mornings and the over 70 seniors, includes women over 60, will play Monday mornings at Cottonwood Park. All play dates will be two games or doubleheaders. Depending on your age, one can play in as many leagues as you wish paying a registration fee for each league desired. As an example, one over 70 can play in all three leagues and we have a few people who do just that. We have a number of 70s people playing in the 70 and 60 leagues.

The PPRSSA has a new website that is still being populated with additional information for the upcoming season. If one is interested in participating in one or more of these leagues or just curious about it, feel free to visit the website at www.pikespeakregionseniorsoftball.org and see if this is something that might be of interest.

Call Gayton Albarano (Gater) 719-282-4096 or Carl Bennett (Yaz) 385-787-3541.