OCVB approves $300,000 toward $4.1 million Ozzie Smith turf proposal

The O'Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau voted March 26 to allocate $300,000 from the transient guest tax reserve toward a $4.1 million project to install synthetic turf at Ozzie Smith Sports Complex.

Bill Mitchison, the city parks director, told the board that rain has forced the cancellation of about a third of scheduled tournaments in recent years and that turf would drastically improve field availability. "We're losing about a third of what we book," Mitchison said, and the turf project would reduce weather-related cancellations and lower ongoing maintenance costs.

Mitchison outlined the proposed funding plan: $1.5 million would be bonded through the recreation fund, $2.3 million would come from general funds or reserves, and the OCVB was asked to provide $300,000 from the transient guest tax reserve. He said a phased schedule calls for council approval and contract wording in April–May, design in June–July, mobilization and construction beginning in October, and completion before the 2026 season.

Board members questioned the projected costs and phasing. Mitchison said a full conversion of all fields would approach $6 million, but the staff recommendation was to turf two full fields and convert infields on the remaining fields to reach a critical mass for regional tournament play.

Patrick McKeon moved the allocation; Don Dietrich seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

Next steps include formal council consideration for contracting and bonding and design work scheduled this summer.