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Board signals support to pursue $20M bonding and a $5M capital campaign for Booster Stadium revitalization
Summary
Staff proposed an estimated $25 million Booster Stadium redesign with options for 8,000 seats, turf, a synthetic track and revenue-generating uses; trustees accepted staff’s request to begin bonding work and to launch a fall capital campaign, while insisting on interlocal agreements for community access and a naming-rights policy.
District staff presented a concept design and funding plan for the Booster Stadium revitalization and trustees indicated consensus to move forward with planning, bonding analysis and a capital campaign.
Mr. Whitehouse described design work with Monarch Designs and said the concept targets an 8,000-seat venue with artificial turf, a synthetic track, remodeled locker rooms and upgraded concessions. Monarch’s cost estimate ranged from $20 million to $30 million; Whitehouse said $25 million is a reasonable planning figure.
For financing, staff requested board agreement to pursue bonding or a certificate of participation for 80% of the cost (approximately $20 million), and to begin a district-run capital campaign to raise the remaining $5 million. "If we have a starting point with what we're willing to invest... I think it's gonna be a lot easier for us to then start a capital campaign," Whitehouse said.
Trustees voiced strong support but attached conditions: several members said their yes depends on ensuring community access (interlocal agreements with city/county partners), clear operating arrangements so the district is not the day-to-day parks operator, and a formal board policy to govern naming rights and thresholds for donors. Dr. Campbell asked who would manage the campaign and who would set naming thresholds; staff said the district would manage the campaign and the foundation would be a holding entity for donations, and that a naming-rights policy would be drafted.
Trustees also requested additional financial information before any formal bond issuance, including property valuation for Booster Stadium, projected annual rental revenue, and detailed bond sizing. Staff said it would produce that financial analysis and that the bonding process would take four to six months.
Board action: trustees expressed consensus to proceed with planning and to allow staff to start the bonding and local-agreement processes; no formal vote or ordinance was recorded at the work session.
