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 costs. He told the council OJBFC expects a FIFA‑quality surface will attract higher‑level events and regional visitors and that the club would commit to resurfacing so the city carries “no obligation to the field for at least 20 plus years.” He said FieldTurf, the proposed supplier, quoted warranties that can run to 14 years.

The club described program benefits including scholarships, a special‑needs program, an affiliated semi‑professional team and a coaching/referee development emphasis. Diutilo said OJBFC’s current registration was in the 400s and that the group hosts tournaments and weekend play that can reach “10 to 15 games a weekend.”

City cost and operational context presented by staff

Recreation staff said Ken Lindley currently consumes a little more than 2,000,000 gallons of water annually and that the city’s gross water expense for that space is roughly $20,000 per year. Current annual maintenance and grounds costs on the field were presented as roughly $15,000, with about $35,000 in labor that staff said would be redeployed rather than eliminated. Diaz Trahan said those figures represent net savings that account for residual water use on synthetic turf and some continued site work.

Council concerns and technical questions

Council members asked about PFAS and other health or environmental risks tied to synthetic turf. Diutilo and Council discussion cited FieldTurf’s testing record and said newer systems use different infill/backing materials; Diutilo said FieldTurf offered products with no PFAS in the turf pile. Council members asked staff to supply vendor testing and warranty documentation before any contract is finalized.

Council members also asked about public events that use Ken Lindley — staff said Moonlight Movie Night and occasional school events currently use the park, and that staff would work with event producers to relocate or accommodate events if the field is converted. Councilwoman Freeworth asked whether schedule management and fee collection would be handled by OJBFC; Diutilo said the club would manage scheduling, charge city‑required fees and give the city priority use as required by any lease.

Process, policy and next steps

Council discussed the city’s charter requirement for posting long‑term leases (two publications at least a week apart) and the city naming policy; staff said those requirements would apply and that the naming request would follow the city’s naming policy and not be finalized at the study session. City staff said the item will return on the voting meeting agenda and that the council could delay action to allow additional public notice and contract review.

Key figures and clarifying details

- OJBFC offered up to $2,500,000 for construction and committed to resurfacing between years 10 and 12. - OJBFC requested a 25‑year prepaid lease, described as roughly $100,000 per year in equivalent value. - Ken Lindley’s current estimated annual water use: a little more than 2,000,000 gallons; city budgeted water expense for the site roughly $20,000/year. - Current turf maintenance (city estimate): $15,000/year; associated labor ~ $35,000/year (to be redistributed). - Field replacement cost (today’s dollars) cited by presenters: about $750,000 to $1,000,000. - FieldTurf warranty and product lifetime remarks: presenters referenced warranties up to 14 years and committed to a resurface at years 10–12.

What was not decided

No contract or lease was approved at the Sept. 23 study session. Council did not vote; staff and council members asked for additional documentation on vendor testing for PFAS, a financial net‑savings analysis, and confirmation that the public‑notice and naming‑policy steps would be completed before final approval.

Who spoke (selection)

Glenn Diutilo — President, OJBFC; resident (presented the proposal)Christy Diaz Trahan — Recreation Services Director, City of Prescott (staff presentation and budget/maintenance numbers)Mike Pantalone — former Yavapai College soccer coach (comment/support)Rick Kreider — Airport Director (attended but not central to this item; present at meeting)

Ending note

Council members praised the donation’s potential benefits but emphasized that any long‑term lease, naming request or vendor selection must follow the city’s charter posting requirement, the municipal naming policy and standard procurement/contract review. Staff said the item will be placed on the upcoming voting agenda with requested documentation for council consideration.