Keizer resident urges quick fixes to drainage, field lighting and concession heating; council asks for facilities plan

At the Jan. 12 work session, resident volunteer Clint Holland told Keizer elected officials he had personally cleared drains at the park and returned photos showing clogged drain boxes and persistent water problems. Holland said crews had removed wheelbarrows of rock from drain boxes and urged immediate fixes, winterizing and electrical and irrigation repairs.

Why it matters: Council members emphasized that drainage and lighting are foundational to field safety and usable hours. Poor drainage reduces playable hours and raises safety and liability concerns; malfunctioning night lighting and broken concession heat systems affect game operations and spectator safety.

What was reported: Holland listed priorities including three drains already cleared, six field lights that were out, irrigation components frozen and a concession stand thermostat/controller that appears missing or nonfunctional. Staff and the operator said they would walk the site with Holland, create a prioritized corrective list, and implement a maintenance ticketing system for preventive items such as winterizing.

Next steps: The city and operator agreed to develop a facilities plan and to coordinate public-works and stormwater staff to address drainage solutions. Staff said some budgeted funds and a newly proposed enterprise fund could help pay for urgent life-safety and capacity upgrades. Council requested regular updates that show what was completed in year 1 and what remains for year 2.