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Council reviews regional park design, funding and possible naming-rights and sponsorship packages
Summary
County staff updated council on the regional park’s site plan, budget and timeline and discussed naming-rights and sponsorship valuation; staff recommended short-term agreements (3–5 years) for early deals and noted an ordinance establishing naming parameters.
Lancaster County staff presented an update and preliminary valuation approach for the planned regional park and discussed potential naming‑rights and sponsorship packages with council members.
Why it matters: The park is the county’s largest recreation project in recent years and staff described expected visitor numbers, facilities and a multi‑million dollar funding structure; sponsorship and naming-rights decisions could yield material revenue and determine how the park will be branded in public materials.
Parks staff said the planned site includes three baseball/softball fields, three soccer fields, an inclusive youth playground, a large splash pad with pavilion, welcome center and community room, and approximately 750 parking spaces. Staff presented a projected—conservative—figure of about 200,000 annual visitors in year one and reminded council of earlier funding steps: $8 million from hospitality funds and a bond ordinance of about $26.7 million approved in October 2023 for a combined total near $34.7 million.
On naming rights, Director Clouden noted the county’s September 2023 naming‑rights ordinance provides the framework and allows flexibility on naming configurations and conditions for naming after individuals (including a three‑year waiting period after an individual’s death). Clouden said the ordinance “gives flexibility to be able to set terms and policy procedure for how we go about naming any of our properties, any of our buildings.” Staff recommended developing sponsorship packages with a consultant, targeting 3‑ to 5‑year agreements initially; council members discussed the merits of making the park’s primary name the highest-value asset and protecting exclusivity and reputational‑risk clauses in contracts.
Staff said comparable naming deals in nearby counties ranged roughly from $100,000 to $500,000 for 5‑ to 10‑year terms, and they are working with a consultant to refine valuations for Lancaster County’s market. Timeline notes from staff: final construction documents and permit submittal packages are expected around June 2025, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetlands review is anticipated in spring–summer 2025.
No vote or contract authorization occurred at the meeting; staff said they would return with formal sponsorship packages and recommended contract language for council review before any public offer or negotiations.
Ending: Council signaled interest in monetizing naming and sponsorship opportunities while maintaining community fit and protections for exclusivity and reputational risk; staff to return with drafted packages and valuations.
