Austin Parks Department proposes new field use policy for youth sports organizations

The Austin Parks and Recreation Board is pushing for significant changes to the youth sports field usage agreements, aiming to enhance public access to athletic facilities. During a recent meeting, board members discussed the need for revisions to the current contracts that grant exclusive access to youth sports organizations (YSOs), which they believe is limiting opportunities for other community groups.

The board is recommending that the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) ensure a minimum number of days where non-YSOs can reserve fields, even those under contract by YSOs. This would allow for greater inclusivity and access to public fields, which are currently difficult for other organizations to utilize due to the exclusivity granted to YSOs.

Additionally, the board proposed that instead of exclusive access for YSOs on certain days, they should have priority access. This means that if YSOs do not use the fields on their reserved days, other organizations would have the opportunity to book them. The goal is to maintain YSOs' primary status while also opening up fields for broader community use.

The discussion also highlighted the need for clearer performance metrics and accountability measures in the contracts, addressing concerns about vague terms that currently exist. Board members emphasized the importance of having a structured approach to ensure compliance with the agreements.

Furthermore, a city ordinance related to the use of athletic fields for youth recreation will need to be revised to align with these recommendations. This change is seen as a crucial step in facilitating better access for all interested parties.

The board plans to revisit these recommendations in the coming month, with hopes of implementing changes that will benefit the entire community and improve access to athletic facilities.