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Board takes no action on Memorial Park lease after public concerns about fees, notice and athletics access
Summary
A proposed Memorial Park lease for the 2025-26 school year received no motion and did not pass; public commenters and board members raised questions about a reported $15,000 fee increase, a 30-day notice clause and whether the district can continue to use park athletic facilities for soccer and other sports.
The Shippensburg Area School District Board of Directors took no formal action on a proposed Memorial Park lease for the 2025-26 school year after board members did not move the item; administration said the proposal had a May 1 deadline. Public commenters and several board members voiced concern about fee increases, short notice and the loss of access for some sports.
During public comment, Drew Alosi of McCullough Road said the district's negotiations with Park and Rec required clarification about a reported $15,000 fee increase, why the board had received only 30 days' notice and why Memorial Park appears to have been closed to high school soccer. "I have a clear understanding that there's a need for more athletic facilities," Alosi said, urging the district to preserve access to the field where the community has gathered for decades.
Board members later reported that a small delegation of district representatives met with Josh Mitchell of the borough parks department to ask about the higher fees and the 30-day clause. Board members said Mitchell told them the fee schedule reflected the borough's standard rates and that the district was being charged a reduced amount compared with the borough's intended charge; Mitchell reportedly declined an "a la carte" per-game approach because of field-preparation costs and logistics.
Board members also discussed the condition of the Pizza Hut field and said park-and-recreation staff described the Memorial Park proposal as an all-or-nothing seasonal arrangement rather than a per-game contract. Several board members urged continued negotiation. "I hope that this isn't the end," said Dr. Nathan Goetz, who described the district's desire to continue a collaborative relationship with Park and Rec.
The agenda item for the Memorial Park lease (item 5k) received no motion and therefore died without a vote. The district's administration and board members said they would continue communications with park officials as schedules and the district's stadium project progress.
No formal financial commitment to Park and Rec was approved at the meeting; questions about specific fee amounts and the borough's position remain subject to further meetings between the district and municipal staff.
