Aventura is applying for a Little League charter and hopes to start playing baseball next March.

The City Commission gave its approval July 16 to the application plan presented by Community Services Director  Bob Sherman. City Manager Eric Soroka called the step "a milestone for the city" and a tribute to the progress made in developing the city's parks and recreation program. 

Sherman explained that Aventura youth have been playing in leagues in neighboring cities but that Aventura now has both the number of players and the facilities to support its own league. He pointed out the Little League program involves both boys and girls and has various age levels. 

The league would be based at Waterways Park. The first year, Aventura players would have a choice of playing in the new league or continuing in their present leagues. But in 2011, the Aventura league would be the host for all players living within the city.

Sherman said he anticipates league registration early in 2010 with play beginning in March. At the end of the season, an all-star team would take on all-star teams from other leagues for a chance to go to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.

Commissioner Michael Stern applauded the plan. He said that during his time working with the North Miami Beach Little League, he saw how the program involves families and draws a community together.

The whole discussion brought out the competitive spirit in Mayor Susan Gottlieb, who suggested exploring the possibility of fielding a city government softball team that could challenge neighboring communities. Other commissioners weren't as eager to embrace that idea.