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Alpine, ISD discuss $700,000–$1M plan to upgrade Manuel Paine Field as sports‑tourism asset
Summary
Alpine ISD superintendent presented a proposal to rebuild Manuel Paine Field into a tournament‑quality facility tied to a sports‑tourism strategy; estimated total cost cited at $700,000–$1,000,000 and the district seeks an April decision on HOT‑funding eligibility and partnership terms.
Michelle Weinhart, superintendent of Alpine Independent School District, told the City Council that the district and city have discussed converting Manuel Paine Field in Coconut Park into a tournament‑quality softball facility as part of a broader sports‑tourism strategy.
Weinhart said the lump‑sum project estimate ranges from $700,000 to $1,000,000, to be split between the district and the city depending on final design. She said the district and its consultants identified components likely eligible for hotel‑occupancy‑tax (HOT) funding tied to historic‑preservation and tourism objectives, but cautioned the city that HOT rules impose caps and annual limits on historic‑preservation spending; the city would need to confirm eligibility and funding caps before committing. “Our goal would be to position Alpine as a regional destination for youth sports tournaments,” Weinhart said.
Council members discussed financing options, including borrowing and capital improvement planning; staff noted a placeholder of $500,000 in the CIP’s capital improvement plan and recommended detailed agreement language to define which party fronts payments and who contracts for design and construction. Several councilors asked staff to return with detailed cost allocations before the April HOT‑funding deadline so the council can decide whether to pursue the joint application.
Next steps: district staff will provide the city additional details and a draft funding/ownership agreement; council asked staff to review HOT‑eligibility limits and present finance options at a future meeting scheduled before the HOT application deadline.
