Estill's new T-ball program is already a big hit with children and parents.
"I think it's a good idea," said Latosha Grant. "It gives the children something to do. They enjoy it."
William Solomon, safety and recreation director for the Town of Estill, started the program for children ages 3 through 10. They play from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Dogwood Park on Lily Street.
"They're excited about it," Solomon said. "The kids they told us they were having a lot of fun. In fact the kids want to do it everyday, and the parents are just as excited. They just want something for their kids to do. We got good support from the parents."
Chandra Brooks, whose child is part of the new program, said she is grateful for the program and to Solomon "for having the vision for it."
"He teaches them T-ball and character too, especially sportsmanship," said Brooks.
Louise Hopkins, a grandparent, says she thanks God for Solomon and coach John Johnson. She says her grandchildren have learned a lot of social skills such as how to get along with others, which she says will help them in school.
The kids are just as excited about the program.
"It's so fun," said Chardequa Hosendove. "You get to throw in the park and you get to make points ... In T-ball we like to throw really far."
Right now the program has 16 kids. The majority are ages 4 to 7 and there are girls and boys on team. Solomon says the program will last at least until September.
Coach Johnson says that he sees the T-ball program as a feeder program for the high school.
"If they can get a good foundation by middle school, they will be ready for high school," said Johnson. "It's a learning experience and it's fun. Estill kids don't have any recreation except for basketball, and not everyone is good at basketball. If they come here when they're young and get the fundamentals down and have fun, they may pick it up."
Right now the T-ball program is just getting off the ground. They aren't playing other teams yet, but they are breaking into groups and playing each other. There is no league this year, but Solomon is hoping to be in one next year.
"To see the kids have fun really and to get them out of the street and give them something to do," said Solomon for what he hopes to accomplish. "There isn't a lot for them to do. It teaches them how to get along with others and be a team player."
Solomon is on a mission to bring recreation to Estill and he says he has been supported by Mayor Anderson Taylor and council.
According to Solomon, the Town of Estill purchased the Best Manufacturing building and plans to use it for recreation.
"We plan to do some sort of afterschool club," said Solomon. "That would be our biggest accomplishment. After that everything else would just fall into place."
Solomon has started other initiatives. He held a free aerobics class at the Bull Durham Center on July 31. The town is also putting a water sprinkling system in for children to play in at Magnolia Park on Grayson Street next to the Best Manufacturing Building.
If you would like your child to join T-ball, go to the town hall and fill out an application or just show up at Dogwood Park on Lily Street on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. There is no cost.