A ballfield battle is putting Portland Public School in a pickle. The Wilson High School girls softball team raised money to create a new field and outfield fence.

It even got permission from the district for the project.

But as the outfield fence began to appear, neighborhood leaders began complaining. District facilities director Bryan Winchester decided it was fair to call a timeout.

KGW graphic

“Just kind of slowing up a little bit to inform the community: ‘here's what we intend to do here at this field.’”

Winchester is balancing the team’s concerns with those of neighborhood leaders who see the outfield fence as a barrier to their vision of a new amphitheater and plaza at the site.

Pitcher Shelby Kasal says that’s improper.

“I don't think they should, I mean, it's school property."

"Somewhere there was a failure to communicate,” said Mike Roach, president of the local business association. He supports a halt to the fence construction.

“Once the fence is built then the opportunities for shared use and multiple use disappear,” he explained.

Players say the debate has put a freeze on their season.

Parents like Thomas Benke worry about the symbolism.

“This fence and this field symbolize the permanence of high school athletics.”

But the district says it's important to include the whole community in such important land use decisions.

“I want to have the conversation -and transparency- in what we do too,” said Winchester.

Until the district has made a decision what to next, the fence will remain unfinished. The district is entertaining the idea of a temporary fence in the outfield. Whatever happens, it promises to protect the team and its fundraisers from any financial harm.