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Tazewell council approves $60,000 for recreation planning and brings youth soccer under town management
Summary
The council voted to allocate $30,000 for design of a multiuse outdoor athletic park and $30,000 for planning/renovation of a north-town parcel, and approved a motion to move youth soccer programs from the YMCA back under town management, saying the changes could support tournaments and local revenue.
The Town of Tazewell council voted Jan. 13 to realign local investment funds and allocate $60,000 toward planning for outdoor recreation projects, and approved a motion to bring youth soccer back under town management for the spring and fall seasons.
Recreation director Dean Gates told the council the town’s parks and facilities host community events that draw residents and families. “Kids’ Fishy Day was a huge success for our community. We had 167 kids come out and enjoy the evening,” Gates said, arguing upgrades and tournaments could produce revenue to sustain improvements.
Council members debated scope and timing before agreeing on two planning allocations: $30,000 for design and planning of a multi-use outdoor athletic park at the Rainy Slot site, and $30,000 for planning on a northern property identified in the packet. The council moved and approved the realignment and allocations on voice votes.
Members also voted to take the town’s youth soccer program under municipal management for the upcoming seasons, citing a desire to standardize referee quality and volunteer training. Supporters said central management would help train volunteer coaches and keep more of tournament-related revenues local; opponents cautioned about operational burden and budget implications.
Council members and staff said the planning funds will be used for design and grant-readiness, not immediate construction. Staff noted further budget work sessions will consider staffing and implementation costs. The council directed staff to continue coordination with the planning subcommittee and report back during budget discussions.
