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Richland County board approves MOU with Richland School District for Simons Recreation Complex use
Summary
The county board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding allowing the Richland School District scheduled access to the Simons Recreation Complex while preserving county control over safety and facility condition; two supervisors voted against the MOU.
The Richland County Board of Supervisors on May 20 approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Richland School District to govern district use of the Simons Recreation Complex, including gym space and outdoor fields, with the county retaining final authority over safety and restricted areas.
The MOU codifies who may use the facility, scheduling protocols, custodial expectations and liability protections, and establishes quarterly scheduling meetings between the district and Simons staff. The board approved the agreement after discussion and clarification about custodial responsibility, liability and whether school events may charge admission.
Under terms described at the meeting, the school district may use the gymnasium and associated spaces but may not charge admission for events held under the agreement. The county will continue to pay utilities for the campus; the school district will mow the soccer field and is expected to clean up after its use. The agreement includes a 30‑day cancellation clause, and the county said it will require proof of insurance from the district before providing keys or access.
Board members pressed staff on enforcement and damage reporting. County staff said if the district or any other party repeatedly left facilities in an unusable condition, the county could amend or terminate the MOU. County staff also reserved the right to restrict access to any area they determine presents health or safety risks, such as mechanical rooms or spaces with safety concerns.
Supervisor Kozlov moved to approve the MOU; Supervisor McKee seconded. After the vote the chair announced two supervisors — Cooley and Dillon — opposed the measure and the MOU was approved.
Why it matters: The agreement restores a use arrangement that had existed when UW‑Platteville Richland operated campus facilities and aims to increase use of currently idle space while protecting the county from unplanned maintenance costs and liability.
What happens next: County staff and Simons managers will implement the scheduling and custodial terms agreed in the MOU; the board may revisit or amend the MOU if problems arise.
