Spencer County approves $1-per-year leases with youth sports associations for county parks

Spencer County Fiscal Court approved draft lease terms for county parks and accepted a nominal rent arrangement for youth sports organizations during its Dec. 15 meeting.

The court reviewed the one‑year lease draft for Ray Jewell Park that designates the Spencer County Youth Baseball Association (SCYBA) as lessee for scheduled games, practices and approved special events. The lease requires SCYBA to maintain routine playing‑field maintenance during seasons of use, obtain general liability insurance with the county named as additional insured (minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence), and comply with park rules (leash laws, no motorized vehicles past barriers, no smoking during youth events). Utilities are to be provided by the county.

Judge Travis moved and the court voted to lease Ray Jewell Park and to charge the Baseball Association and the Soccer Association $1 per year; the motion passed with one magistrate (Esq. Stump) voting nay on one vote. The court said the county retains access for other activities at times outside association use and that the lease may be terminated with 30 days notice.

Court members also reviewed draft leases for Waterford Park and the county farm; changes to the farm lease were discussed but no final action was taken on the farm lease at the meeting.

The leases specify that the county is responsible for general maintenance while the associations maintain the playing fields used during their seasons, and that advertising and concession rights during association events are allowed subject to county oversight.