Independence Girls Softball Association (IGSA) was formed in March of 1978.  At that time, all games were played at the "old" Bridger Junior High Fields.  There were 4 fields and sometimes, play had to be halted on one field due to a foul ball from another field.  It didn't seem bad at the time, because that's all IGSA knew. 

 

It was exciting when IGSA was given a field at Santa Fe park with lights.  Our young ladies were so excited to be able to play on this bigger field and under the lights.  We provided this field for our older girls due to the size of the field. 

 

In 1991, T-ball was introduced for 7 and 8 year olds and their games were played at Van Hook Park.  The age was then dropped to 5 and 6 year olds in 1994.  Shirley Cottrell was the first umpire for T-ball and continued for many years.  She loves her T-baller's!

 

In the 1990's, IGSA was so thrilled to be able to be a part of changing Adair Park from an empty park to a complex that is now one of the finest parks for girls softball in the Midwest.  Jackson County provided a lot of the resources to fix the park, but there were so many wonderful volunteers that helped to get the park ready ahead of schedule.  Dennis Waits, Jackson County Legislator and local attorney, wanted something better for the young ladies in Independence.  With his major work with Jackson County Legislature, Adair Park became a reality. 

 

Adair Park opened on May 30, 1992.  IGSA players lined up all around the park and marched onto field #1 for the dedication ceremony.  Many distinguished guests were there and IGSA was introduced as the first group of young ladies to play on these new fields.  What a day to remember! 

 

UPDATE:  In 2014, the Jackson County Legislature voted to change the name of Adair Park to the Dennis Waits Softball Complex.  It will always be called Adair Park by most but what a wonderful homage to this man who worked so hard to build this premier park for young ladies to play the game of softball.