Nonprofit offers $2.5 million to convert Ken Lindley Field to FIFA-quality turf; council to review lease terms

Prescott — A local nonprofit told the City Council on Sept. 23 it will privately fund and build a FIFA‑quality synthetic soccer field at Ken Lindley Park if the city grants a long prepaid lease and related concessions.

Glenn Diutilo, president of OJBFC, said his organization would “contribute up to 2 and a half million for the construction of a FIFA quality synthetic soccer field” and that the group is seeking “a 25 year prepaid lease agreement.” He said the project would be “at no cost to the city and the taxpayers.”

The offer would also include resurfacing the synthetic field between years 10 and 12, and OJBFC requested priority scheduling for its programs and the right to seek the field’s playing‑surface to be named after longtime Yavapai College coach Mike Pantalone. Christy Diaz Trahan, Recreation Services Director, presented maintenance and water‑use context and answered council questions about net savings and program impacts.

Why it matters: Council members raised questions about long‑term costs, public access, environmental concerns and process requirements before any final decision. Staff advised that charter posting rules and the city’s naming policy apply; the presentation did not include final contract language and council did not vote on a lease at the study session.

OJBFC’s pitch and proposed community benefits

Diutilo said OJBFC’s donation would increase field usage “2 to 3 times” compared with natural turf and would reduce irrigation and maintenance…