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Park board approves per-event framework for 2026 motorsports park, sets insurance and user‑agreement requirements
Summary
The board approved a one-year, per-event approach (proposed $750 per event) for the 2026 motor sports park to allow events to proceed while repairs continue, and required lessees to supply a $1 million general liability policy, a $5 million event-day umbrella, and user agreements for county equipment.
The Stark County Park Board approved a temporary, per-event leasing framework for the county’s motor sports park for the 2026 season, setting financial and insurance conditions the operator must meet before events proceed.
During extensive discussion the board and prospective operators agreed to a $750-per-event fee (per weekend or per event, to be specified in the amended agreement) for the coming year rather than a $5,000-upfront seasonal lease. The board conditioned the agreement on the operator providing proof of financial capability, a general liability policy of at least $1 million for non-event periods and an event-day umbrella policy (draft language cited a $5 million limit) for race days, and certificates of insurance to be submitted before events.
Speakers raised site-safety and maintenance concerns — damaged bleachers, unsecured fuel containers, open gates and legacy debris — and discussed how responsibilities shift once a lease is in effect. The board underscored that, until a lease is executed, the county remains responsible for property maintenance and fencing; once the lessee signs, mowing, weed control and noxious-weed applications are expected to transition to the operator per the revised clauses.
Operator representatives and commissioners discussed insurance costs and scheduling trade-offs: a prior full-season policy had cost about $17,000; organizers said a reduced schedule should lower event insurance costs but asked for conditional inspections so single-use coverage could be applied to motocross and selected events. The operator indicated they would pursue insurance quotes and intended to secure the required coverage prior to hosting events.
The motion to adopt the framework (set fee, insurance minima, and user agreements for county equipment) passed by voice vote; the board recorded at least two abstentions during the vote. The board directed staff to incorporate the agreed changes into the lease and circulate amended language for legal review and signature; staff also requested operator proof of insurance and corporate documentation (bylaws, board minutes, mailing address) before final execution.
