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Kennedy Park field construction advances; Friends group raises funds, eyes lights and long‑term maintenance
Summary
Committee received a progress report on Kennedy Park: two fields are under construction after a $500,000 family commitment, fundraising continues for lights (a memorial project), and staff flagged the need to plan for long‑term maintenance and agreements with user groups including DC Everest schools.
The Weston Parks Committee heard an update on Kennedy Park renovations and the related capital campaign, including progress on field construction, a summary of funding sources and next‑step fundraising goals.
Friends of Kennedy Park and volunteer organizers told the committee that two infields are under construction and that the village proceeded with a second field this summer because of a $500,000 private commitment. Jimmy Olsen, a volunteer organizer who spoke at the meeting, said the added commitment accelerated the second field: “We proceeded with that second field this summer because we got the $500,000 commitment from the family. Otherwise the village would have only started with that first field.”
Nut graf: The project uses a mix of donated funds, committed private gifts, and municipal capital (described as ARPA‑sourced borrowing/CIP), and committee discussion focused on funding transparency, long‑term maintenance costs and agreements with youth sports groups.
Committee staff described the funding mix as capital debt service (reflecting timing and borrowing of ARPA funds), tourism funds and donated funds. A draft strategic plan included in the packet sets a long‑term fundraising goal — the draft lists $14.5 million across multiple phases — but staff emphasized the committee currently is building only two fields while fundraising continues for later phases.
The group also outlined near‑term fundraising for lights on Field 2, described as a memorial effort in honor of Braden (referenced in the packet as Braden/Brayden Bone). Organizers said lights are estimated at roughly $100,000–$150,000 depending on configuration; a “glow” fundraising event and other community drives are planned to raise that amount.
Organizers reported growing tournament activity: the largest recent tournament hosted 19 teams, with roughly half the teams staying in local hotels for multiple nights, giving the project some regional tourism impact. Staff noted usage agreements and long‑term replacement costs (turf life‑cycle 10–12 years depending on use) remain to be formalized with DC Everest School District and local youth groups. Committee members and public commenters pressed for clearer cost projections for ongoing maintenance and staffing before committing to additional phases.
Ending: Staff said the parks department and Friends of Kennedy Park will continue fundraising, pursue grant applications, and return with more detailed maintenance projections and proposed user‑group agreements for committee review.
