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Commission elevates Blazing Stars Special Olympics to priority 3 for facility allocations
Summary
The commission amended its facility use policy to reclassify the Blazing Stars Special Olympics program as a priority 3 user so the program receives field allocations alongside major athletic associations; the amendment waives two specific exhibit requirements while keeping insurance and governance conditions.
The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission voted to amend the facility use policy to reclassify the Blazing Stars Special Olympics program as a priority 3 user for field allocations.
Staff explained the change would allow Blazing Stars, a nonprofit that uses city facilities for programming, to receive allocations alongside the Cottage Grove Athletic Association and East Ridge Athletic Association rather than wait behind them. Noah, who coordinates facility use, said the athletic associations have historically been flexible in accommodating Special Olympics programs and that reclassification would simplify scheduling as Blazing Stars grows and adds fall sports.
Commissioner questions focused on which exhibit requirements would be waived for the reclassification. Commissioner Olsen recommended limiting waivers to items 1 and 2 in Exhibit A; staff amended the policy language accordingly. The commission confirmed that other priority‑3 requirements — including insurance and board governance — would remain in force.
A motion to approve the amended facility use policy passed without recorded opposition. Staff said the change should simplify field allocation at the January coordination meeting and help Blazing Stars gain consistent access to needed fields.
