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Fortuna approves shared-use agreement with school district for Shelton Field amid concerns about soccer access
Summary
The council authorized a memorandum of understanding with Fortuna Union High School District for Shelton Field; the district would pay $1,000 annually and take primary responsibility for offseason maintenance, while some councilors expressed concern that soccer and youth programs could be displaced or face scheduling impacts.
The Fortuna City Council authorized the city manager to execute a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Fortuna Union High School District for shared use of Shelton Field at the March 2 meeting.
Staff said the district suggested a long-term lease of the Shelton Field and an annual payment of $1,000 to the city; staff estimated that the arrangement would increase Shelton Field revenue by roughly 30% compared with 2025 and could save city staff offseason maintenance time. The superintendent reportedly indicated the district would not use stadium lights initially and would move soccer play onto the Shelton outfield, while park maintenance would remain responsible for irrigation scheduling.
Some council members raised concerns that shifting control to the district could reduce access for other youth sports. "I think we're eliminating a bunch of other youth sports for somebody that should own their own field," one council member said, expressing worry that soccer and other uses could be crowded out. Staff responded that moving soccer to the Shelton outfield could free up other fields and that user groups had not historically contributed to irrigation costs.
After discussion, the council approved the MOU and authorized the city manager to execute the agreement by motion, second, and voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Why it matters: The MOU shifts long-term use and maintenance responsibilities for a community athletic field and could affect schedules and access for local youth sports organizations.
Next steps: The city manager will execute the MOU and staff will coordinate any necessary scheduling adjustments with local user groups.
