Rohnert Park council adopts updated parks policy, authorizes use agreements for sports groups after public comment

The Rohnert Park City Council approved updates to the city’s Parks and Facility Use and Reservation Policy Feb. 11 and authorized the city manager to sign non‑exclusive use agreements with youth and adult sports organizations that meet specified criteria.

Cindy Bagley, Director of Community Services, told council the changes formalize longstanding, often‑verbal arrangements with user groups and create a clear process when organizations request more than 28 days of use in a season, access to storage sheds or concession stands, or permission to perform maintenance beyond standard recreational upkeep. The policy adds written rules about sponsorship banners, refund and insurance requirements (including sexual abuse/molestation coverage where applicable), mandatory seasonal user meetings and procedures for temporary season‑only storage.

"Many of the things we're putting in here are things that are already happening — we're just putting them in writing so new staff or new league boards will know what was agreed to," Bagley said.

David Langdale, president of Cal Ripken Baseball, spoke in public comment and thanked staff for outreach but urged faster action on repairs at fields affected by vandalism and on replacement of a damaged snack‑shack and scoreboard. Langdale said the league had lost the ability to host state and regional tournaments because facilities and a full concession operation — required by tournament administrators — were not available.

Staff said they had worked with the county health department and could accommodate temporary concession solutions (for example, permitted temporary cook tents and refrigerators) while permanent repairs proceed. Staff also described outreach to leagues, a plan for exhibition of sponsorship banners and a policy that will grandfather existing permanent containers but require new storage to be temporary and seasonally removed unless otherwise approved.

Councilmember discussion focused on balancing user needs and protecting the city’s liability. After deliberation the council approved the resolution adopting the policy updates and authorized the city manager to execute the described use agreements. The motion carried by voice vote: all councilmembers voting in favor (5‑0).

Bagley said staff would move quickly to distribute the new application and begin signing agreements with user groups so qualifying organizations had clear guidance for the coming season.