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Boosters pledge funds as board approves baseball/softball turf contract
Summary
The board approved a MOTS contract to install synthetic turf on Marysville's baseball and softball infields after presentations showing roughly $600,000 in estimated costs and written booster pledges and athletic contributions to defray the expense.
An athletics presentation and discussion Sept. 18 resulted in board approval of a contract with MOTS (design/manufacturer) to install synthetic turf and drainage on the Marysville High School baseball and softball infields.
Eric Musick, an athletics staff presenter, described field-condition problems, weather-related cancellations and maintenance costs and provided MOTS renderings and cost estimates. "If you were to add both costs together, would be roughly around over a little over $600,000," Musick said. He said boosters, sponsorship and permanent-improvement funds were being considered to finance the project.
Musick detailed potential revenue offsets: hosting tournament games and regional events, rental fees, and increased use by youth teams and community groups. He cited a prior field reconditioning cost of about $32,000 every four years and said turf would reduce recurring maintenance and decrease cancellations due to wet conditions.
Funding discussion and commitments in the meeting: Musick outlined possible internal athletic contributions, and later in the meeting board and finance staff reported written booster pledges of $100,000 each (softball and baseball) to be paid over 10 years, plus athletic-department contributions. Treasurer Todd Johnson and other staff explained that the district's permanent-improvement (PI) fund would cover upfront costs and would later be reimbursed by pledged booster and athletic funds; the board would also authorize spending from PI and athletic accounts as needed. The board agreed to proceed and approved the MOTS contract later in the meeting.
Formal action: The board moved and approved a contract with MOTS for baseball and softball field improvements, and members voted in favor of related motions that evening. The motions were properly moved and seconded and carried by roll call.
Musick and board members emphasized safety, playability and potential revenue from hosting district and regional postseason events. The motion to approve MOTS contract passed and the board discussed next steps for implementation and reimbursement arrangements.
