Council approves seasonal leases for Moxie Field and Gypsy Hill Park — including concessions and fireworks
Summary
Staunton City Council unanimously authorized a May–August lease to Staunton Baseball Inc. for Moxie Field and granted a lease to Happy Birthday America Inc. for Gypsy Hill Park for the June 29–July 4 event; both leases allow concessions and other specified activities and include city-manager authorization to execute final agreements.
Staunton City Council approved two seasonal lease agreements on April 24: a lease with Staunton Baseball Inc. for limited use of Moxie Field between May 20 and August 10, 2025, and a lease with Happy Birthday America Inc. for use of Gypsy Hill Park for the annual Independence Day events June 29–July 4, 2025.
City Attorney John Blair summarized the Moxie Field lease, which grants Staunton Baseball limited field use and concession rights for the stated season; the organization will pay $1 to the city under the executed lease. The lease also permits sale of concessions and alcohol at games and notes a handful of planned pregame musical entertainments. Council approved the lease unanimously by roll call.
Blair described the Happy Birthday America lease as the annual agreement that allows the nonprofit to use Gypsy Hill Park for events over the Fourth of July period. Andrew Dietz, president of Happy Birthday America, briefed council on a multi-day program including a beauty pageant, vesper service, a Firecracker 5K, a parade and a full-day concert lineup; the group has purchased fireworks and will coordinate safety with city staff. Dietz noted the event is volunteer-run and thanked city departments and sponsors for support. Council approved that lease unanimously as well.
Why it matters: The leases authorize community organizations to operate seasonal events and concessions on city-owned recreational properties; approval includes the city manager’s authority to finalize agreements and confirms coordination with city departments for safety and permitting.
