Newport council approves standard park-user agreement for youth sports, pending city attorney review

The Newport City Council on Aug. 18 approved the city’s first standardized facility use agreement for youth sports associations, adopting requirements for nonprofit governance, insurance, background checks, financial reporting and facility care while preserving public access to parks. The approval was conditioned on a final review by the city attorney.

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Cabanoff and Sports Supervisor Zach Kruprowski described the document as a nationwide standard that “creates guardrails” for organizations that use city fields and facilities. Cabanoff said the agreement consolidates existing paperwork, clarifies scheduling and gives organized youth associations scheduling priority while keeping parks open to the public outside reserved times.

The agreement includes requirements for nonprofit status, liability insurance, submission of financial statements and participation rosters, background checks for coaches, concussion and safety protocols, and an application process for facility improvements. Cabanoff said the city also plans a nonresident fee for groups that use city parks frequently.

Council discussion focused on enforceability and language about intoxication and smoking. A council member with legal training noted that the municipal code citation used in the draft — NMC 9.55.010 — addresses public drinking and may not encompass marijuana or other intoxicants. Cabanoff said the draft had been vetted by human resources, the police department and the city’s legal services, and the city would follow up on the specific language; the council agreed to approve the agreement subject to review by the incoming city attorney.

Councilor Kitt and others thanked staff for preparing the document. A motion to approve the implementation of the facility park-user agreement for youth sports associations passed with the approval noted as pending legal review.