Park board approves We Hornet football and cheer use of city fields; insurance and mowing to be confirmed

The Park and Recreation Board on May 14, 2025 approved the We Hornet football and cheer association's request to use Monroe's city fields for the coming season, with staff to follow up on insurance, field lines and mowing details.

Board approval matters because it clears the association to resume practices and games on city-owned fields while raising operational questions — insurance timing, how close temporary field lines can be to baseball infields, and who will mow or alter grass heights.

A representative of the sports association told the board the group had “got a little bit bigger trailer” this year and asked to use the back portion of the park rather than the front. The board member who moved the motion did not give a name on the record; another board member seconded it. The board chair called for the vote and members answered “Aye,” carrying the motion.

City staff present said they had no objection “from the city's standpoint” provided the football and cheer use did not conflict with baseball schedules or field layouts. The staff member identified in the meeting as Gary said the city still needs to consider routine maintenance such as mowing, but otherwise “I don't have a problem with it as long as it doesn't conflict with baseball.” The association representative said past seasons had not produced a conflict.

Board members and the association discussed whether the temporary painted field lines could be placed closer than the 100-foot guideline used previously; staff deferred to Public Works to confirm any change. The association said outfields are typically mowed to about 3.5 inches and asked whether that could be adjusted; Gary said he would talk with staff and that the board secretary would follow up by email.

The association was also reminded to maintain current liability insurance. A speaker representing the board said the group's policy must be current by July 13 to cover practices; the association representative said the insurer sometimes renews automatically but agreed to ensure there is no lapse.

A board member asked about small marker flags and a schematic that appeared to show a water line running into fields. The staff response was that there was no intent to run a new water line through the fields and that any survey flags on site likely relate to existing or proposed irrigation or drinking fountain work being considered by project designers. Councilman Wagner was cited by a board member as having been asked about the flags but did not speak at the meeting.

The board approved the field use request and directed staff to confirm insurance coverage, mowing and line-placement details with Public Works and to notify the association of any constraints.