Park board seeks city support for $2 million capital plan to turf fields and upgrade facilities

Scott Fan, president of the Marshall Park Board, asked the council to consider the board's capital proposals and said the board would welcome a council agenda item for a fuller discussion. Fan told the council the board has approved a plan that could include converting Osage Field and "Field 4" (Valley Softball Field) to artificial turf, upgrading lighting at Osage Field, and building a new office building with a conference room at the park. Fan said the board has approximately $500,000 in reserves it would apply to the project and that the park district may borrow the remainder; he estimated total project costs at about $2,000,000. The board has discussed two funding routes: a tax referendum or financed borrowing that would require city participation if the financing uses city ground or involves city approval. Fan said turfing would expand year-round use for baseball, soccer, flag football and other tournaments, and that the board has talked with Valley (athletic partner) about shared use and contribution to operating costs. He asked the council to engage quickly, indicating the board hopes to complete work this winter for play next spring. No formal council action was recorded on the funding plan during the meeting. Why it matters: large park capital improvements affect municipal land use, financing, and ongoing maintenance budgets; turf fields also change long-term operating costs and usage patterns. Next steps: the park board said it will follow up with finance staff and invited council review and possible agenda time for a detailed plan and financing request.