[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6161891,"mediaKeyId","5440533-4c29aea7c96a5c4f96557eeedeeb9f4c","parentId",5440533,"title","Council hears Brobeck family testimony on Homestead Park renaming; directs parks commission to formally review","audioSeconds",4251,"startMs",1246000,"endMs",5497000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5440533-4c29aea7c96a5c4f96557eeedeeb9f4c&start=1246&end=5497","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5440533-4c29aea7c96a5c4f96557eeedeeb9f4c/thumbnail_1246000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6161891/University-Place/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-hears-Brobeck-family-testimony-on-Homestead-Park-renaming-directs-parks-commission-to-formally-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161891-861c82a41f4e386b3f88bb1666be64a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775545919&Signature=USmPl7NjSAl4qht5fjjY-8s73gm3ct6QfQiC4UaAQzXXXAJ9Uty-JyHdwk2yO~ZJehBxw~3ER6Yr2xKI-E6VryCNbtf5Y0~nP3Lk5glc10cf6Gz2Tn66G6NCUvL0IulBz24CBUgqCcwwOE7IbAEqwTd9bzd95ZAFQfWN1Gq8~1mlT-CNH9fZ-~4iceCbSpl7~DcuiAFooHES0OSBEXro4sJ-mEO5y4drnH1tAZA15VRBVyB0h7hILImX-jeT8iXJ4D6pDjqkReuLheqBCslWxnzV9uL6MOhr3LK4RvhbTq5P7Zgh3sm6kcujsvbZX2PCojThcdXCkF~Dtap7rEEAmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","University Place, WA","date","2025-07-22T20:00:23.837Z","article","Family members and the University Place Historical Society asked the City Council on July 21 to add the Brobeck family name to Homestead Park signage to reflect the property's history as a Brobeck homestead. Council members praised the testimony but split over process; after discussion the council directed staff to send the request to the Parks Commission for formal consideration, asked staff to provide a signage cost estimate, and encouraged placement of a historical marker describing the homestead history.

The request and testimony
Representatives of the Brobeck family and the University Place Historical Society described the parcel now called Homestead Park as part of a Brobeck family homestead purchased in 1931 by John and Anna Brobeck (the family and witnesses described a 40‑acre Brobeck farm that later became Town Center and the current Homestead Park). Karen Benveniste of the University Place Historical Society summarized the family’s agricultural history and asked the council to “consider this request” to add the family name to park signage. Several family members gave oral histories in public comment, describing multi‑generation ties to University Place and the parcel now in Town Center.

Council concerns about process and permanence
Councilmembers agreed the family testimony was compelling but many councilmembers emphasized following the city’s naming policy (Resolution 6-44). Councilmember Boykin noted that legislative proposals are rare and framed the request as an opportunity to \"give a nod of appreciation to the historic 20 acre Brobeck Homestead and Farm.\" Councilmembers raised three recurring concerns: (1) the Parks Commission had heard the request only as public comment rather than conducting a formal, documented review; (2) renaming is considered a near‑permanent action under city policy and must be weighed carefully; and (3) other local families and historic ties might seek similar recognition if the council changes naming practice.

How the Parks Commission handled the request
City staff explained the sequence: the Historical Society presented the idea during the Parks Commission meeting as public comment; the commission did not take a formal recommendation vote because the item had not come to the commission by council referral, but commissioners did indicate general endorsement of the opportunity for the proposal to come to council. Several councilmembers said the commission’s public‑comment reaction did not substitute for a formal Parks Commission recommendation and therefore requested a formal review.

Signage donation and timing
Proponents said the Brobeck family offered to cover the cost of new park signage if the council approved a name change. Council asked staff to produce a cost estimate for consistent signage and to confirm whether the park renovation schedule (federal and local funding for a reconstruction expected next year) could be used to time any sign replacement or a commemorative marker at a grand‑opening event. Councilmember Boykin said, “I wanted to make sure that this council is aware, at least in terms of fiscal impact, that it would not have to incur additional expense for signage if we were to move forward. That particular expense is generously being taken care of by the Brobeck family.”

Council action and next steps
After extended public comment and council discussion the council agreed to the following direction: (1) send the legislative proposal and supporting materials to the Parks Commission with specific guidance to review the request under the city’s naming policy (Resolution 6‑44) and to provide a formal recommendation; (2) ask Parks staff to estimate sign replacement costs and timing and to report whether the park reconstruction schedule offers an opportunity to coordinate sign installation or a historical marker; and (3) pursue a historical marker describing the Brobeck homestead history regardless of the commission’s naming recommendation.

Why it matters
Homestead Park sits in University Place’s Town Center and carries local historical meaning for residents who grew up in the area. Council members framed the request as an opportunity to “tell a more complete story historically and contextually” of the city’s origins while emphasizing caution because park renaming is difficult to reverse and can create a precedent.

Ending
Staff will transmit the council’s direction to the Parks Commission and return to the council with the Parks Commission’s formal recommendation and a cost estimate for signage and/or a historical marker; park reconstruction is expected next year, and council suggested coordinating any ceremonial renaming or marker installation with that work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hybrid U.P. City Council Meeting, July 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Family members and the University Place Historical Society asked the City Council on July 21 to add the Brobeck family name to Homestead Park signage; council directed staff to send the request to the Parks Commission for formal review and a cost estimate for signage and a historical marker.","taxTitle","University Place, Pierce County, Washington","taxId",51958,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6161896,"University Place moves to restore youth sports with YMCA partnership; interlocal with school district to go on consent agenda",1105,2866000,3971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5440533-4c29aea7c96a5c4f96557eeedeeb9f4c&start=2866&end=3971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5440533-4c29aea7c96a5c4f96557eeedeeb9f4c/thumbnail_2866000.jpg","/articles/6161896/University-Place/Pierce-County/Washington/University-Place-moves-to-restore-youth-sports-with-YMCA-partnership-interlocal-with-school-district-to-go-on-consent-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161896-4081a7db8ba4b539074b90bb263df109/orig.mp4?Expires=1775545919&Signature=WSMgDQKTEvhwpLMSipqkm1vKyuXwFkvklOOzlLLWRLPrl3nI~sxd45zZWnP2JFnnA78fJjUQX2fAQmwJXB-1JNLASJ5AGcCUswNvG0NOkih5c9MEgdRD3Xr2NIHBJ7MoitruipCVHi8hon5fPWtUtQKKW7E8tFsYOk4osb4klB6yohWGN0-P-j7Jk11GJSMKKKjD1VjNDu0rDbTaUdlPRylPnQ2YYwiNHFhKzB0YiYtfLiFZqxLTmkNhPKAwazb9EUpnoOSwapjfweVao4GD7u38yv7CAcERgLWH~gN0AG~nneqgEtp8GQVFRLzbm0Q0yxT8xyUwqlqk9j8JoekpzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","University Place City Council on July 21 directed staff to prepare a formal agreement with the YMCA and return to the council for a vote after the council placed an interlocal agreement with the University Place School District on the consent agenda.

The move sets the stage for the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties to run youth sports programs in University Place using school facilities under the district’s proposed interlocal agreement. The interlocal would allow the city to use designated school facilities for youth sports and waive facility fees, while making the city responsible for cleanup or repairs stemming from program use.

City Public Works Director Jack Eklund summarized the interlocal to council: “This agreement does allow the city to use designated school facilities for the use, for the purpose of youth sports programs, also with a waiver of any facility fees.” The school board had already approved the agreement on its side, Eklund said; the city council voted to place the interlocal on the consent agenda so it can be adopted at a later regular meeting without separate study-session action.

Why it matters: Council members said restoring a stable youth recreation program is a top quality-of-life priority and could increase participation in school sports. The YMCA said the arrangement would also give YMCA members and University Place residents an entry point to additional programs at YMCA facilities.

Program details and costs
- Provider: YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties (presenters: Jared Johnson, executive director; Jose, operations director)
- Proposed seasons: winter, spring and fall leagues and summer clinics
- Sample offerings: winter youth basketball (ages 5–12); spring t-ball/coach-pitch (ages 5–8) and soccer (ages 5–12); fall soccer (5–12), girls volleyball (about 8–12), cross-country (5–12)
- Proposed fees: $95 for residents/YMCA members and $190 for nonresidents for seasonal leagues; summer clinics proposed at about $65 for residents and $130 for nonresidents
- Registration and marketing: YMCA and city staff said a robust marketing window is needed — roughly four months from contract-signature to league start to allow registration and promotion. The YMCA indicated a spring start is realistic if decisions are made by fall.

The YMCA team emphasized pacing: “We’re not gonna deliver until both sides are ready to go, and and we’re comfortable with how we’re doing. No need to rush on this,” Jared Johnson said during the presentation.

Scheduling and promotional terms
The proposed interlocal requires the city to follow the school district’s scheduling rules and reservation procedures. The draft also allows the district to include YMCA or city promotional material in its communications but does not require the district to publish every program (the district reserves editorial control). Under the interlocal the city may assign program-operation rights to a third party with written assent from the district; the draft interlocal term is four years with an option to extend by mutual written agreement.

Council direction and next steps
Councilmembers repeatedly expressed support for moving quickly but carefully. Councilmember Will McCluskey said the agreement is “the cornerstone” for restoring recreation and the partnership was “strategic.” Several councilmembers asked staff to bring back a formal legislative document (a contract/agreement) for council action; Councilmember Fleming specifically asked that staff prepare the agreement so the council can vote on it rather than revisit another study session.

Council also asked staff to preview the marketing and branding materials with the council before a public launch and to coordinate timelines so registration windows align with school schedules. City staff said if both parties finalize an agreement by roughly the end of October, a spring season would be feasible; an aggressive timeline would be required to start in winter.

No formal vote to authorize YMCA program operations took place July 21. The interlocal with the school district was moved to the consent agenda for a future meeting; staff will return with the YMCA contract/agreement and recommended implementation timeline for council action and with a plan to preview marketing materials before public registration begins.

Ending: The council’s next formal step is to consider the interlocal on the consent agenda and to receive the YMCA contract for a vote; staff estimated a spring launch of leagues is likely if the agreement is finalized and marketing runs on the timeline outlined by YMCA staff.","City council directed staff to return with a formal agreement for a YMCA-run youth recreation program after approving an interlocal agreement with the school district for facility access to be placed on the consent agenda. Council and YMCA leaders discussed program seasons, fees, and a likely spring start if agreements and marketing are in place.","actionData","errors"]

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Council hears Brobeck family testimony on Homestead Park renaming; directs parks commission to formally review

University Place moves to restore youth sports with YMCA partnership; interlocal with school district to go on consent agenda