UPDATED: City of Hillsboro assuming operations at Shaffer Park

The City of Hillsboro has assumed operations at Shaffer Park as of this month, as confirmed to The Highland County Press.

Bruce Davis — who has run the park for over 15 years as its director and worked in various capacities there for more than 30 years — said that he was “just told Friday afternoon [Feb. 2] that our services were no longer needed.

“All I know is that the park, as we have known it, is done,” Davis said.

The park’s former Facebook page has been taken down and replaced with a new “City of Hillsboro Shaffer Park” page. According to the new page, the park’s “annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at Shaffer Park. Following the meeting, we’ll announce the registration dates and times. Stay tuned to this page for regular updates, upcoming events and all things related to our fields.”

In July, the city’s property maintenance and restoration committee was dissolved and replaced with a parks committee, and in September, Hillsboro City Council voted to approve legislation for a parks/recreation director position. Caleb Gregory has been hired for that role.

This summer will mark Shaffer Park’s 63rd year in its current location on North High Street. During that time frame — as well as for several years prior, when games were played at the Highland County Fairgrounds — the Hillsboro Recreation Commission and its dedicated volunteers have run the programs with the support of the community and local businesses.

The park includes Little League baseball and softball teams and is also home to the Post 129 Legion Baseball teams.

The City of Hillsboro issued the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

“In 2023, the City of Hillsboro established its Parks and Recreation department and appointed a Parks Director in November. The newly appointed Parks Director's primary responsibility includes the supervision and daily management of the city's parks. 

“The city owns Shaffer Park and aims to play a more active role in its operations starting in 2024. The operations for the 2024 season will continue as they have in previous years, with plans to evaluate and potentially implement changes after the season concludes. 

“Caleb Gregory, who has been named the Parks Director, will oversee the management of Shaffer Park. With six years of experience as the Director of League Operations at Cincinnati Sports Leagues, Gregory brings a wealth of knowledge in league management to his new role. 

“An annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. to discuss the plans for the upcoming season.”