Park & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Date: May 1, 2023
To: Park & Rec Advisory Board Members
From: Charlie Fredericks, Streets and Parks Manager
Title
Consider approval of the Northfield Soccer Association turning back maintenance of Spring Creek Soccer Field to the City.
Body
Action Requested:
PRAB considers a motion to approve Northfield Soccer Association turning back maintenance of Spring Creek Soccer Field to the City.
Summary Report:
The Northfield Soccer Association (NSA) in 2022 approached the City to consider turnback of the maintenance of the Spring Creek Soccer Fields. As background, the City currently provides for all maintenance at the shelter, playground, parking lot, irrigation, and other miscellaneous items.
The NSA currently provides all field scheduling along with the mowing and marking of the fields. The Association has indicated they spend approximately $20,000 a year related to these two items. If the City were to take over the maintenance, staff would work with City Council through the budgeting process to transition this to the City. It is anticipated that the City would be in charge of field scheduling.
The Northfield Youth Baseball Association, Northfield Youth Lacrosse Association currently do not pay the City for field usage, it would be staff recommendation to align the NSA with the other associations and not charge the youth for field usage.
Staff is recommending that PRAB approve the City taking over the maintenance and field scheduling.
Alternative Options:
PRAB could recommend that NSA continue to charge and maintain the fields.
Financial Impacts:
The Street and Parks Department has limited staff and may consider a phase in approach that may include some contracting until it could be fully transitioned to the City.
Tentative Timelines:
• June-December 2023 - Budgeting process with the City