Parks board backs one-year concession agreement with youth baseball at Red Arrow Complex

The Parks Advisory Board on April 14 recommended approving a one-year concession-operator agreement for the Red Arrow Complex with Oshkosh Youth Baseball, following notification that the YMCA would not continue operating concessions there.

Why it matters: The concession stand provides food-service operations during youth baseball seasons and associated events; the city sought a new operator to maintain service and manage stored equipment that remains the YMCA's property.

What staff presented: Staff said the proposed agreement mirrors the prior arrangement with the YMCA but names Oshkosh Youth Baseball as the operator for one year to allow both parties and the city to evaluate the arrangement before a longer-term commitment. The YMCA is working with the youth baseball group on transfer of equipment that the YMCA owns.

Board action: A board member moved to recommend approval of the agreement and another seconded. The motion passed with recorded aye votes (Davis; Long; Matt; France; Eric). Staff said the recommendation will be forwarded to the common council for formal approval.

Outcome and next steps: The board's vote authorized staff to bring the one-year concession agreement to the common council for final approval. If the council approves, the city and Oshkosh Youth Baseball will execute the agreement and operate concessions for the coming season under the one-year term.

Quotes: "We were contacted by the Oshkosh Youth Baseball Group, and they do have an interest," staff said, describing negotiations and the proposed term.

Ending: The agreement is intended as a short-term operating arrangement that can be revisited at the end of the one-year term.