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CDAA warns Dayton: participation growth means the city needs more fields and land now
Summary
Champlin-Dayton Athletic Association presented data showing Dayton participation has grown substantially and warned that acquiring and developing enough athletic fields will take years and significant funding; commissioners asked staff to pursue land proactively and consider hiring a land broker.
A representative from the Champlin-Dayton Athletic Association told the Dayton Parks Commission that participation from Dayton residents has climbed significantly in recent years and that the city should acquire land now to avoid losing park opportunities to development.
Why it matters: CDAA data show Dayton’s share of association participation rising from roughly 10% to over 20% across age groups, and staff warned that land acquisition and field development can take four to five years. Commissioners said waiting risks higher prices and fewer available parcels.
CDAA said Champlin’s relative share of participants has fallen and that Dayton is growing younger; staff recommended the city purchase land sooner rather than later. Benchmarks discussed for a large multipurpose park ranged widely; some commissioners estimated a mid-range total development cost of $5 million to $20 million depending on acreage and amenities, and an example 60-acre parcel previously discussed was priced in the $6–8 million range for land alone.
Commissioners discussed funding options: park dedication fees, a separate trail fund, general fund maintenance allocations, grants, CDAA assistance (financial or development support), and potential user-fee structures (CDAA said a typical Dayton household might pay roughly $130/year under some nonresident fee scenarios). Staff said the city is actively searching for land and plans to hire a land broker similar to the process used for fire department property searches.
