An expedited trial is set for next week in a dispute between the city of East Ridge and the group that has long run the soccer program at Camp Jordan.
Circuit Court Judge Jackie Schulten said, "Time is of the essence for the kids to have a program to play in."
She set the trial for Feb. 29.
In the meantime, there will be mediation efforts later this week between the two sides.
Attorney Chris Clem said the East Ridge Youth Soccer Association wants to stay in operation at a location away from Camp Jordan. He said the group needs the $100,000 in soccer equipment held in sheds at the popular East Ridge park.
He said, "We have receipts and canceled checks to show that we bought all of it."
The city, however, claims the equipment was bought for Camp Jordan and should stay there.
Attorney Clem said city officials have told him they have already placed an order for replacement equipment. "It just hasn't arrived yet."
It was agreed that in the days leading to the trial that the East Ridge soccer group can continue to use the fields at Camp Jordan as well as the equipment. The group can also set up tables to sign up players for the league.
East Ridge, under new recreation director Stump Martin, is setting up its own tables for programs that will be carried on by the city at Camp Jordan.
Mr. Martin on Monday night presided at a meeting of a newly-created 15-member East Ridge Soccer Advisory Board. He said former East Ridge Soccer Association President Jon Hooper has agreed to serve as the city’s president of soccer. He was president of ERSA from 2002-2005 before he was transferred to Chicago by his company.