Commission asks staff to seek fees for comprehensive master plan for recreation complex

Commissioners asked staff Sept. 3 to pursue a master-plan proposal and pricing for a comprehensive, multiyear plan for the county recreation complex and adjacent land. The goal is to evaluate all county-owned land at the complex, assess current fields and irrigation, and identify phased improvements that could support tournaments and generate revenue.

Commissioner Watson said he wanted the engineer to coordinate with recreation staff so the proposal would address all uses — baseball, soccer, softball and other amenities — rather than piecemeal projects. Commissioners discussed using a needs analysis, community surveys and stakeholder panels to prioritize projects and then phase them in via a capital plan update. The board asked staff to return with a task-order cost estimate under the county’s existing master agreement so a vote would not be necessary unless the estimated task order exceeded procurement thresholds.

Discussion vs. decision: Commissioners provided direction to solicit a fee proposal and scope from the county’s engineer and to have staff prepare conceptual phasing and a cost estimate; no contract or capital appropriation was approved at the meeting.

Next steps: staff will present a proposed scope of work, fee schedule and schedule of tasks for board consideration at a later meeting.