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OIO praises renovated Lee Road 'Bullpen,' asks Lawrence to extend facility agreement through 2030
Summary
OIO (a youth baseball/softball nonprofit) detailed a roughly $78,500 renovation of the Lee Road indoor facility — branded the 'Bullpen' — and asked the Parks Board to extend its two-year agreement to 2030 to protect that investment. OIO also sought help with signage, marketing, scholarships and tournament hosting.
Michael DeSantis, president of OIO, told the Lawrence Parks Board on Dec. 10 that his organization has completed major renovations at the Lee Road indoor facility — now being called the Bullpen — and is asking the city for a longer-term agreement to protect more than $80,000 in volunteer and sponsorship investments.
"OIO is willing to commit to $50,000 to completely renovate this facility," DeSantis said, and later added, "we are now investing $78,500 to completely renovate this building," citing additional items identified during work. He asked the board to consider extending the current agreement, which runs through 2027, through 2030 so OIO's two-year tenancy and investment are not at risk.
Why it matters: DeSantis said the Bullpen lets baseball and softball programs operate year-round and reduces pressure on outdoor fields. He said OIO serves more than 1,300 players from roughly 1,400 families and that sponsorship revenue and scholarships have helped keep fees stable for families.
Scope and use: DeSantis outlined the renovation work — new HVAC, lighting, interior and exterior painting, replacement of ceiling panels, removal and replacement of aged turf, electrical work for cages, and a new two-lane gravel access from the parking area that creates roughly 30 nearby parking spots. He described the facility as nearly fully scheduled (three open time slots remain) and said winter workouts would begin in January.
Access and equity: DeSantis said scholarships are available only for the rec league (not OIO's independent travel teams) and that OIO plans targeted marketing to reach more English‑learners and Hispanic families. Board members pushed for stronger city promotion in newsletters and school communications.
Partnership and next steps: OIO requested three items from the board: (1) consider extending the facility agreement through 2030, (2) explore a broader, unified youth baseball/softball program in Lawrence, and (3) support efforts to host tournaments and increase external rental opportunities when fields are free. DeSantis asked the board for a ribbon-cutting/open house in January once work is complete.
Budget and accountability: DeSantis said OIO's preliminary budget grew as renovation needs emerged; the organization traced its ability to invest to recent profitability and sponsorships (OIO reported $64,500 collected in sponsorships last year). Board members repeatedly emphasized protecting the city's and OIO's investments and asked for future agenda follow-up on a longer agreement and any secondary agreements for third-party tournament organizers.
What happened next: The presentation closed with thanks and a small token of appreciation from OIO to board members. DeSantis said he expects to return early in 2026 for further discussion; board members requested the agreement-extension discussion be placed on the Jan. 14 agenda.
