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Board approves Mercer Park field improvements after public hearing; district signs 28E agreement with city
Summary
The Iowa City Community School District board approved Appendix 9 — Mercer Park Field Improvements — at its Feb. 25 meeting after a public hearing. District staff said a 28E intergovernmental agreement with the City of Iowa City will give the district exclusive use of two fields and create a combined baseball‑softball complex.
The Board of Directors approved the Mercer Park Field Improvements project (Appendix 9) following a public hearing at the Feb. 25 Iowa City Community School District meeting.
Vice President Abraham opened the public hearing and said notice was published in the Iowa City Press‑Citizen on Feb. 12 and that bids for the project are scheduled to be received at 10 a.m. on March 11 at the Facilities Management Conference Center.
Director Lingo asked for more information about the baseball fields. District representative Ramey said the project is part of the district’s long‑range facilities planning and grew from discussions about outdoor improvements at City High. The district and the city negotiated a 28E agreement — an intergovernmental arrangement — that will give the district exclusive use of Mercer Park fields 1 and 4 and allow the district to provide maintenance improvements while continuing to use other fields in the city system.
Ramey told the board the change will create a baseball‑softball complex for City High and provide a longer‑term home for those programs. "We approached the city about how could we possibly expand that partnership, really turn into something long term, and, quite honestly, give a face lift to that area and the ballpark down there for the benefit of our students and our families," Ramey said.
Director Lingo moved to approve Appendix 9; the motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously with all directors voting in favor, according to Board Secretary Colvin. The board also closed the public hearing after taking questions from board members.
District staff said the city has acted on the 28E agreement as well and that the partnership will provide maintenance and scheduling clarity for the district’s baseball and softball programs.
