Board approves 10‑year lease with city for Little Butte site to restore courts and add pickleball

The Eagle Point School District 9 board voted Jan. 10 to accept a lease agreement with the City of Eagle Point to allow the city to restore and operate a public recreational area at the Little Butte site, adding pickleball courts and refurbishing existing courts and open lawn space.

District and city staff had negotiated terms that include a 10‑year initial lease with an option for a second 10‑year term if both parties agree. The board and city officials added a buy‑back formula designed to protect district interests: if the district ends the lease early and needs the property back, it would reimburse the city a prorated share of the city’s capital investment based on the percentage of the initial 10‑year term remaining.

Board members asked about likely city investment and liability. City staff said estimates varied but that the city expected some capital outlay to refurbish courts and add temporary or permanent restroom facilities; staff described plans to keep the park open to the public and not to operate it as a revenue center. The district confirmed it would be covered by the district’s insurance for injuries on the site while the city operates it; the lease requires the city to keep the site secure at night.

Board discussion emphasized the partnership value of reopening unused school‑adjacent recreation space to the community and included several conditions and clarifications: the city will limit access to any indoor restrooms unless they secure and wall them off, the city would provide portable sanitation if needed, and the city would be responsible for maintenance and any capital improvements it funds. Board members also said the buy‑back language addresses concerns about future district facility needs.

A motion to accept the lease was moved and seconded; the board approved the motion by roll call. The board directed district staff to finalize and circulate the signed document with the city.