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Commission schedules community meeting after Hill residents, soccer club disagree over 10‑year exclusive use at Oak Grove Field
Summary
An unsolicited proposal from the Saint Andrews Soccer Club asking for 10 years of exclusive scheduling and field renovation drew neighborhood concern Oct. 14; commissioners directed staff to organize a community meeting and likely follow‑up workshop before taking any agreement action.
The Panama City Commission on Oct. 14 agreed to hold a community meeting and potential follow‑up workshop after residents and the Saint Andrews Soccer Club (SASC) clashed during public comment over a proposal that would give SASC exclusive scheduling rights at Oak Grove Field for 10 years in exchange for renovating and maintaining the playing surface.
The SASC proposal, presented to staff as an unsolicited offer, would have the club upgrade the turf, perform leveling and long‑term maintenance, and pay for field improvements; in exchange the club asked for exclusive scheduling rights for a decade, continued city irrigation, and additional electrical service or sports lighting. Staff advised the commission that, if they considered the proposal, the city could advertise for 30 days to accept competing proposals before negotiations.
Speakers from the Hill community asked for broader public involvement and more attention to access, parking and historic community use. Cardinal Marshall, a Hill resident, urged postponement and said the park was purchased for community use. "Until we get a new director, let's postpone this," he said, adding concerns about parking, lighting and use by a nearby vending business. Michelle Bryant, another local resident, said Oak Grove is "more than just grass and goals" and urged a cautious approach and an adopt‑a‑park step before any long‑term exclusive arrangement.
Cameron Fuqua, identified as president of the Saint Andrews Soccer Club, described the club's long‑term investment plans and said SASC was prepared to invest financially and operationally in year‑round youth programs. "We believe in year‑round development, not just soccer skills, but in character, community, and consistency," Fuqua said. He and other speakers said the club has already cleared overgrowth and used interior spaces to support programming.
Commissioners said the proposal raised community and valuation questions. Commissioner Hughes recommended a public meeting with the Hill community and the applicant, followed by a workshop if necessary; the commission approved the motion unanimously. Staff suggested Nov. 8 as a possible date tied to an existing community event, and the commission asked staff to coordinate availability.
What's next: Staff will set a community meeting with SASC and Hill residents, advertise the proposal period if the commission wishes to accept competing offers, and bring results back to the commission for any negotiating directive or formal agreement.
The commission did not approve any exclusive‑use agreement Oct. 14.
