Council approves up to $1.84 million for Strickland Park ballfield renovations using visitor‑amenity funds
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Summary
Stillwater agreed to spend up to $1,835,745 for Strickland Park improvements — turf infields, drainage, LED lighting, padded backstops, and restroom/concession renovations — funded from the city’s visitor‑amenity portion of lodging tax proceeds after SEDA moved the funds to the general fund (vote 5–0).
The Stillwater City Council voted March 23 to approve a Strickland Park ballfield improvement project with total projected expenditures not to exceed $1,835,745, authorizing associated budget amendments and use of cooperative purchasing contracts for construction.
Christy Driscoll and representatives from the Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASSA) and Parks & Community Resources described the renovation plan to convert infield surfaces to turf with integrated drainage, upgrade fencing and backstops (including padded walls), install LED lighting across four fields, renovate restrooms and concessions, and add enhanced shade and dugout structures. Presenters said turf infields and improved drainage will reduce rainouts that in 2025 significantly reduced tournament‑related sales tax receipts.
SASSA provided conservative economic estimates showing tournament‑related sales tax receipts fell in 2025 due to cancellations; staff said Visit Stillwater produced higher estimates when lodging impacts are included. Project proponents said the improvements will help Stillwater remain competitive as a tournament destination and generate increased visitor spending.
Council recessed to convene the Stillwater Economic Development Authority (CETA/SEDA) to transfer visitor amenity funds to the city general fund, enabling the city to use the 30% local share of lodging tax revenues designated for visitor amenities. SEDA trustees approved a budget amendment to transfer the funds; the council reconvened and approved the Strickland Park project and the associated budget actions by a 5–0 vote.
The staff recommendation included using cooperative purchasing contracts and a 15% contingency. Presenters said construction timing targets completion of work before the August tournament season. Councilors expressed support for using the visitor‑amenity funding and for the tournament economic benefits.
The city manager and Parks staff will execute contracts and oversee project bidding and construction using the approved cooperative contracts and budget authority.
