Miami Marlins to fund youth academy and field upgrades at Babcock Park under 67-page agreement

The Hialeah City Council voted unanimously May 26 to authorize a license and use agreement with the Miami Marlins Foundation to develop and operate a youth baseball and softball academy at Babcock Park.

Under the roughly 67-page agreement described by city attorneys and Marlins representatives, the foundation will pay for and carry out field improvements and program operations; municipal staff said the physical upgrades will become city property at the end of the arrangement. Alfredo Mensa, vice president of public affairs for the Marlins, told the council the foundation will provide coaching, equipment and free programming for Hialeah residents and that the organization has committed in writing to a 75% participation goal for city youth.

Willie Sanchez, the city’s recreation officer, described the planned investments as part of a broader parks improvement effort and said the rebuilt Babcock Park will be “a premier place to play baseball in Hialeah.” Council members asked for clear, enforceable language on resident access and participation; city staff and the Marlins’ team pointed to the signed use agreement and said details — including how future fees would be negotiated — are spelled out in the document.

Resident speakers raised concerns about past contracts and the city’s ability to enforce promises. Jose Aussie, a Hialeah resident, asked the council to confirm in writing how the city will guarantee resident access; Barbara Canales asked for transparency given prior community complaints about leased parks.

Councilman Luis Gonzalez moved to approve the agreement; Councilwoman Monica Perez seconded. The roll-call vote was unanimous and the item passed. City staff said the administration will publish the executed agreement and a program roll-out in the coming weeks and will monitor enrollment to ensure the city’s participation target is met.