Lafayette Parks and Recreation

Our U10 and U12 Divisions are full. 

Registration for Lafayette Fastpitch Softball is now open. We play in the well-established Chippewa Valley Girls Fastpitch League with teams from other area communities. The season opener is typically in early May and finishes in Mid June. 

8U Division is for players who are 7-8 YO.  Those who turn 9 YO after Jan 1 also can play this division. Games are instructional.  Batters take pitches from a special 'Throw Machine' or by a coach.  A tee is brought in if the players fails to make a hit.  As the season goes along, the tees are no longer used.  

10U Division is for players 9-10 YO. Those who turn 11 YO after Jan 1 can also play in this division. Players begin pitching with some assistance from coach pitches.  The league modifies rules for advancing bases and there are run limits for each inning.  Players are required to rotate infield and outfield positions. 

12U Division is for players who are 11-2 YO and those who turn 13 after Jan 1. Pitching is more independent. League rules are set to promote balance in games and player position rotation. 

Registration is now open for spring Instructional/coach pitch baseball.  

The Instructional/Coach Pitch Division is for 7 and 8 YO players. (Occasionally, a 6 YO may be ready).  Batters take pitches from a special Throw Machine.  A tee is brought in if the players fails to make a hit.  As the season goes along, the tees are no longer used.  Lafayette plays in the Chippewa Falls Youth Baseball League. 

Let me know your questions.  715-225-9912 or lafayetterecdirect@gmail.com 

See you on the fields. 

Bruce Kyes, Recreation Director

Our Tee Ball season will begin June 5th.  All games during the season will be on Wednesdays at either 5 PM or 6 PM. The one hour time slot includes 30 minutes for practice and 30 minutes for game. Each player will get a nice team shirt and hat. We also come up with special events each week to help with the family fun.  Our online Registration is now open.

Tee Ball is a great tradition here at Lafayette and every kid should get a chance to play.  Financial assistance is available upon request.  If you have any questions, you can call me at 715-225-9912, send me an email to lafayetterecdirect@gmail.com 

Bruce Kyes, Recreation

Greetings Lafayette Soccer, 

The spring SOCCER OPENER will be Saturday, April 20.    The season will end on June 1.  No games on Memorial Day Weekend.     These dates are subject to change based on weather.    

The township has the annual Spring Cleanup day on April 27th, so we schedule one Sunday Afternoon Game Day, April 28th. The remainder of the season will be scheduled for Saturday mornings.  Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 26th will be no-play due to the holiday.  The season closer will be Saturday, June 3.       

SPRING SOCCER DIVISIONS   

U6 Division is for 4-5 YO players. Teams are kept small with 5-6 players. Fields are modified for beginner play. U6 teams practice for 30 minutes and play for 30 minutes during their one hour time slot. Parents coach these teams. Because U6 teams are small, it is important for everybody to make it to the games so teams have enough players. Players need soccer socks, shin guards, and water bottles, Each player should have a #3 soccer ball. Cleated shoes are recommended but running shoes work fine.  ($25 Registration)

U8 Division is for 6-7 YO players.  Each team will have 6-7 players on the roster. Games are played 5x5. All games are on Saturdays during a 1 hour time slot. The U8 teams usually practice 1X per week. Coaches and parents decide which evening to practice. Teams and field sizes are kept small. Games are played 5X5 with goals. Players should come with soccer socks, shin guards, water bottles, and cleated shoes. Each player should have their own #3 soccer ball.  ($35 Registration)

U10 Division is for 8-9 YO players. Each team will have 9-10 players. The games are played 7X7. The field is sized up and and goalies are used.  Typically, U10 practice 2X per week. Coaches and parents agree which nights work best.  Players need their own cleats, soccer socks, water bottles and cleats. A size #4 ball is used.  ($40 Registration)

U12/14 Division is for players 10-13 YO. Each team will have 13 players. The games are played 10x10.  This division plays in a league with Chippewa Falls Youth soccer league. Games are scheduled on Saturdays at either Lafayette or at Casper Field. Practices are 2X a week on nights agreed to by coaches and parents.  Players should come with their own gear ($40) Registration. 

Have fun and learn the fundamentals—it’s really pretty simple here at Lafayette. We strive to offer a great place to introduce your child to the fun and exciting world of team sports. Our programs are specially designed to offer all kids a chance to learn and play organized youth sports. Games and practices are set up so players can learn and grow while having a good time with their friends and classmates. Coaching and competition is kept positive so kids are motivated to learn and work together—important assets for all youth as they grow and develop.

Parents can also have fun!  We cover concessions duties so parents can watch, cheer, or coach their kid’s team. You won't find mandatory $100 'concession shift deposits’ or ‘extra $50 non-worker fees’ here. Our concessions are run exclusively by youth where they can get a chance to learn job duties, work commitment, and customer service. So parents, you too can 'recreate' at Lafayette, a great place where you can enjoy coaching and cheering on the kids with friends and neighbors.

No matter which town or community you are from, all are welcome join us at Lafayette Parks & Recreation. Hope to see you on the fields soon!

Boating Safety Classes, 2024

This is a reminder that Wisconsin boating safety laws apply to five age groups. A summary of those laws is as follows: Operators Born before January 1,1989

Are not required, but are encouraged, to take a boating safety class.

Operators 16 Years Old to 35 Years of Age

May operate a motorboat alone if they hold a boating safety certificate. The certificate is

earned by taking a boating safety class and passing the exam at the end of that class.

Otherwise, they may operate a motorboat if they are accompanied by a person 18 years or

older who has a boating safety certificate; or accompanied by a person who was born before

January 1, 1989.

Operators 12 to 15 Years of Age

Must either have a boating safety certificate to operate a boat or personal watercraft alone or

have an adult onboard while operating.

Operators 10 or 11 Years of Age

May operate a motorboat ONLY with adult supervision, not Personal Watercrafts (PWC’s).

Eligible to take the class and receive a safety certificate, but the certificate does not become

valid until the child reaches 12 years of age.

9 Years of Age or Younger

May not operate a motorboat

Topics Covered

Wisconsin Boating Laws Navigational Buoys

Legal Responsibility of Owners Nautical Rules of the Road

Required Equipment Water Hazards

Common Causes of accidents Boating Courtesy

At this time there are two 3-day safety courses offered:

1. In Eau Claire, at the Mill Ridge Estates Community Center, 4299 Mill Ridge Circle, Eau

Claire, WI 54703. Dates and Times: May 21 - 23, 2024, 5:30PM – 8:30PM

2. In Chippewa Falls, at the Lafayette Town Hall, 5765 197 th St. Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

Dates and Times: June 11 – 13, 2024, 9:00AM - Noon

 All students must be pre-registered. To register for a class, or for any questions about

the class, please call John Swenson, the class instructor, at 715-828-2514.

 All materials will be provided so students don’t really need to bring anything. Also, we

normally provide bottled water.

 The cost of the course is $10.00 per student. On the first day we will collect the fee. If

you are writing a check, please make out the check to John Swenson, the class

instructor.

 Finally, all students are required to have a DNR Customer ID Number. This number can

be obtained by calling WI DNR Customer Service at 1-888-936-7463 between 7AM and 10

PM daily, or by accessing the DNR website at https://gowild.wi.gov.