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Verona district, city explore sale of Country View softball fields to host accessible Miracle League park
Summary
District staff presented a proposal to sell two underused softball fields north of Country View Elementary to the City of Verona so the city can develop an accessible Miracle League baseball field, playground and parkland dedication; board gave direction to continue negotiations but took no final vote.
The Verona Area School District presented a proposal to the school board to sell two softball diamonds and adjacent green space north of Country View Elementary to the City of Verona so the site could be developed as dedicated parkland with a Miracle League–style accessible ballfield and a new playground.
District operations director Chad Weezy told the board the district approached the city about the underused fields and that the district’s priority was protecting long‑term public access: “It should be said from the get go, with these conversations with the city, it was important to us that we figured out a way to essentially lock in that. We didn't want to, we didn't wanna have the the city or our district lose access to those softball fields in the future,” he said.
Board members were broadly supportive and asked staff to continue negotiating details with Verona city staff and the Miracle League of Dane County. No sale or transfer was approved at the meeting; board members asked staff to return with survey data, a draft shared‑use agreement, formal parkland dedication language and a proposed purchase agreement for a future vote.
Why it matters: district staff said the fields receive limited school use since the high school has newer varsity facilities, while the city and community partners say the site could host widely available inclusive recreation and summer programming. The district emphasized retaining daytime access for Country View students under a shared‑use arrangement if the site transfers to the city.
Key details presented - Site and partners: two existing softball fields, parking and green space north of Country View Elementary. The City of Verona and the Miracle League of Dane County (working with local service organizations) are the principal partners discussed. - Potential sale price and upgrades: Weezy said an initial, negotiable sale figure discussed with the city was about $250,000 and that the Miracle League and partners could invest “a couple of million dollars” in a poured‑rubber accessible field and playground if the transaction proceeds. - Parkland dedication: staff said an element likely to be included in any agreement is a parkland dedication restricting future redevelopment of the site “in perpetuity.” - Access and programming: City representatives and Miracle League organizers indicated the site would offer summer programming and community use; district staff said Country View students would retain daytime access under a shared‑use agreement. - Timeline: district staff described the Miracle League group as actively fundraising and suggested a summer 2027 build target if negotiations and permits proceed; staff did not present any binding timelines.
Discussion vs. decision: the board’s comments were advisory. The board did not vote to sell property; instead members instructed staff to continue negotiations and return with legal documents, an acreage survey, draft shared‑use terms and explicit parkland dedication language before any final action.
Next steps: staff will continue discussions with Verona city staff and Miracle League representatives and plan to return to the board with a formal purchase/sale package and supporting survey information.
