Parks staff report more tournaments, immediate repairs needed at Love Hatbox Sports Complex

Parks staff briefed the public works committee on Nov. 3 about operations and partnerships at Love Hatbox Sports Complex and said the complex has seen increased tournament interest with more than 25 tournament requests for 2026.

Brooke (parks staff) told councilmembers the complex now hosts new user groups including cricket and remains home to Muskogee Public Schools cross-country. Staff run in-house tournaments and coordinate with independent tournament directors; Brooke said six tournament directors have contacted the city about using Hatbox in 2026 and that three appear likely to make Hatbox their home for recurring events.

Brooke listed recent repairs and ongoing field maintenance work and said staff had received compliments on the sports crew27s field work. She said some immediate repairs will require funding and requested the city consider midyear funding; she also requested the item be placed on the next city council agenda so league representatives can attend and provide input. Councilmember Tracy Hoose noted a youth baseball group had expected to appear at a later meeting and asked to return the item to the next council agenda so stakeholders can participate.

No formal action was taken at the public works committee; staff asked to bring the item forward to the council agenda so leagues can be present.