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Council takes first reading on parks field‑use changes that would give city exclusive scheduling authority; Mudsock Athletics raises concerns
Summary
On first reading, council considered an amendment to Fishers’ parks and field‑use rules to give the city primary authority to schedule athletic fields; Mudsock Youth Athletics would still receive free fields if rosters are 100% Fishers residents, while partner organizations would need 60% Fishers residents — a change that drew objection from Mudsock leadership during public comment.
The Fishers City Council heard first reading on an amendment to Chapter 96 of the Fishers Code that would give the city exclusive discretion to schedule and assign its athletic fields.
Jordan Alexander, chief of staff, said the change is part of a broader push to improve field utilization and maintenance. Under the proposed language, Mudsock Youth Athletics and its member leagues would continue to receive fields free of charge if they maintain rosters comprised entirely of Fishers residents; other organizations could qualify as partner organizations if at least 60% of their roster are Fishers residents and would pay for recurring use under an annual fee schedule.
Justin Burkner, who identified himself as president of Mudsock Soccer, told the council during public comment that the proposal removes the league’s scheduling priority and lowers the partner threshold from 75% to 60%. “As a taxpayer, as somebody who’s spent thousands and thousands of hours over 13 years… I don’t think it’s fair to our community,” Burkner said, urging the council to keep Fishers children and long‑term volunteers as the first priority for park access.
City staff described the changes as an attempt to bring efficiency and consistent home fields for Mudsock leagues, and noted several facility upgrades planned this year. The item was presented as a first reading and will return for additional readings and discussion.
What happens next: council will consider further readings; staff said a field‑use fee schedule will be approved annually and that detailed timelines for compliance and implementation will be provided in follow‑up staff reports.
Provenance: Presentation, staff Q&A and public comment (topic introduced SEG 247–312; public comment SEG 951–1026).
