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Board hears athletic‑field report: 4,418 field hours, fee revenue up, 10% fee increase planned for 2026
Summary
Parks staff reported 4,418 total field hours in 2025, a roughly $2,000 revenue increase over 2024, a $15,000 contribution to the field capital fund and a planned 10% fee increase for 2026. The board discussed dedicated vs. non‑dedicated fields and peak‑hour capacity.
Mike told the board that field-hours usage for 2025 totaled 4,418. "I step up and own my mistake — it's actually 4,418," he said, correcting an earlier spreadsheet entry. Staff said overall revenue rose by about $2,000 versus 2024 and that about 67% of field fees go to general maintenance while 33% are set aside for capital improvements; the capital fund added slightly more than $15,000 in 2025.
Mike explained the distinction between dedicated and non‑dedicated fields: dedicated fields (for example, the Big Willow primary diamonds, Glen Lake and Gileiam’s fields) are assigned to primary users and maintained through a combination of user groups and public‑works staff, while non‑dedicated fields are used for different sports across seasons. The board heard that adult softball organized through the city’s recreation program does not generate revenue in this fund because the program’s fees are managed elsewhere.
Board members pressed on capacity and marketing. Caleb asked whether prime hours are fully booked; staff said prime times are largely booked but some off‑hours remain available. The Board also discussed a notable revenue increase at Lone Lake Soccer, attributed to a nonresident summer soccer league that rented the field for Sundays and paid higher nonresident fees; staff noted the league brought greater revenue even without higher total field hours.
Staff said fees have not been raised since 2023 and proposed a 10% increase for 2026 to better align with other cities and rising maintenance and wage costs. No formal vote on fee changes occurred at the meeting; the discussion was informational.
