Coeur d'Alene Park Commission endorses Little League agreement for sports complex use

During the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting held on April 14, 2025, in Coeur d'Alene, significant agreements were discussed that aim to strengthen community partnerships and enhance local recreational facilities. The committee focused on two key agreements: one with the Coeur d'Alene Umpires Association and another with the Coeur d'Alene Little League Association.

The first item on the agenda was a motion to recommend that the city council approve an agreement with the Coeur d'Alene Umpires Association. This agreement is expected to formalize the relationship between the city and the umpires, ensuring that the necessary support is in place for local sports events. The motion was unanimously approved, indicating strong committee support for the initiative.

The second major topic involved the renewal of the use agreement with the Coeur d'Alene Little League Association for the Canfield Sports Complex. This partnership has been a longstanding one, with the Little League conducting its programs at the complex during the spring months. The proposed agreement will not only renew this partnership but also introduce a structured fee system. Starting in 2025, the Little League will pay $5,000 annually, with a 5% increase each year. This fee structure aligns with other parks and recreation agreements, reflecting a commitment to maintaining fair and consistent policies across community partnerships.

The committee highlighted the importance of this agreement, noting that it had not been formally updated since 2006. The renewal aims to better document the partnership and accommodate the growing needs of the Little League, which has expanded its use of various fields within the city. The agreement also allows for in-kind contributions, which could provide additional discounts based on services rendered by the Little League, such as field maintenance and beautification efforts.

Both motions were met with unanimous support from the committee members, underscoring a collective commitment to fostering youth sports and community engagement through well-structured agreements. The next steps involve forwarding these recommendations to the General Services Public Works Committee for further consideration by the city council.

Overall, the discussions during this meeting reflect a proactive approach to enhancing recreational opportunities in Coeur d'Alene, ensuring that local sports organizations have the necessary support to thrive while also maintaining the city's facilities.