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Bedford council approves long-term extension for Genplay, greenlights synthetic turf infields at Generations Park
Summary
The council unanimously authorized an amendment letting Sunfield Development d/b/a Genplay extend its operational agreement (initial term to 15 years, two 5-year renewals possible) and install three synthetic turf infields—paid by Genplay at an estimated cost of about $535,000—with revenue-sharing and depreciation protections for the city.
The Bedford City Council unanimously approved a contract amendment on Jan. 13 that will extend the city’s operational agreement with Sunfield Development d/b/a Genplay and allow Genplay to install synthetic turf infields at Generations Park at no capital cost to the city.
Mark Long, the city’s parks and recreation director, told the council that Genplay proposed paying for three synthetic infields—quoted at just under $535,000 total—and requested an extended initial term (from five to 15 years) plus two optional five-year renewals that together could run the agreement to 25 years. Long said Genplay will install the fields in two phases so at least one field remains open for rentals during construction.
“The product is good,” Long said, adding that staff reviewed multiple vendors and examined the proposed infill. He listed the main benefits: fewer rainouts, more reliable tournament scheduling and lower day-to-day field maintenance. “Synthetic turf infields are going to fix that problem” of cancellations and deep ruts that make fields unsafe and costly to repair, he said.
Steve Padilla, identified in the presentation as Genplay’s owner, was present to answer operational questions. Long said Genplay will continue to operate the ballfields, parking areas, restrooms and concessions; Genplay already pays the city a $6,000 monthly base fee ($72,000 annually) and will continue to share revenue (10% of field-rental revenue and 25% of concession revenue). The amended agreement includes a straight-line depreciation provision that lets Genplay recover unamortized improvement costs if the city terminates the contract without cause; Long described that calculation as roughly $35,685 per year over a 15-year useful life based on the $535,000 figure.
Long told council the turf installation would reduce ongoing maintenance tasks—dragging and lining infields—and reduce cancellations that can eliminate multiple tournament games. He added Genplay has exceeded its revenue obligations in the first two years of the contract, giving the city about $94,689 in year one (February–December) and roughly $111,000 in the second calendar year.
Several council members asked about heat concerns on synthetic surfaces and public access. Long acknowledged fields can run hotter but said materials and infill technologies have improved; he also described Genplay’s current practice of scheduling weekday practices and weekend tournaments and said staff and Genplay would work to preserve public-use opportunities when possible.
Council member Sebel made the motion to approve; Council member Gaglarati seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The amendment includes next steps for phasing and installation; staff said work could begin in the off-season and that Genplay hoped to complete phases weather-permitting within months, with a possible start for remaining work in summer 2026.
