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Board reviews preliminary cost estimates for city takeover of King Street Little League fields
Summary
Staff presented preliminary operating and capital estimates for maintaining the King Street fields if the city acquires or leases the Little League property; staff recommended further discussion and possible lease or purchase options with the church that owns the land.
The Oviedo Recreation and Parks Advisory Board discussed preliminary estimates for ongoing operations should the city pursue acquisition or a long-term lease of the King Street Little League fields. Paul said the city prepared a preliminary cost model that assumes two full-time maintenance workers would be needed on site and estimated the combined annual salary and benefits for those positions at about $36,695.
Why it matters: The parcel has been operated as a de facto public field by a church for decades. If the church sells or leases the property to a developer, public-access athletic fields could be lost. Board members asked how the city would schedule and open the fields and how existing user groups (Little League and Challenger programs) would be accommodated.
Paul said the parks manager estimated staffing needs and recurring operating supplies, chemical treatments and turf-replacement cycles based on maintenance experience at the Oviedo Sports Complex and Shane Kelly Park. Staff presented a one-time capital equipment purchase list to house necessary maintenance equipment locally rather than shifting gear between sites. The city has not yet talked to the church about selling the parcel; Paul said staff have a proposal to pursue a 15-year lease but "the city has not talked to the church yet." The church has indicated it does not want to sell to a developer but discussions are at a preliminary stage.
Board members raised questions about access and scheduling; Paul said the city would consider agreements with user groups, and that a combination of rental revenue and fundraising could help offset operating costs. The board endorsed continuing the conversation and asked staff to return with updates and any grant opportunities that could support acquisition or lease costs. No formal commitment or council-level action was taken during the meeting.
