Debate over Bishop Field intensifies as coaches seek turf and neighbors warn of traffic and lights

A broad public discussion of Bishop Field’s future dominated the second half of the City of Clermont meeting on June 18 as coaches, youth‑league leaders and nearby residents confronted competing priorities: improving a long‑neglected baseball facility to host tournaments and collegiate teams, and protecting neighborhood quality‑of‑life.

Coaches and youth‑league representatives described Bishop Field as a "forgotten gem" that has deteriorated and is increasingly unplayable. "The turf field would be great," said David Santiago, owner of Double Play Training, arguing that artificial infields and larger dugouts would allow the city to host collegiate summer teams and regional tournaments that bring overnight visitors and revenue.

Several coaches and organizers identified key operational needs: an infield turf (or full field turf) to reduce rainouts, larger dugouts and bullpens on both sides, locker rooms/storage under the grandstand, batting cages or a movable "batter’s turtle," netting to stop foul balls, and a scoreboard and concession areas to support events and camps.

"If we didn't have the turf fields, we do play tournaments at natural fields. And when the rain comes, we're done," Jorge Vasquez, a local coach, told the council.

Neighbors who live adjacent to the field said they support renovation in principle but objected to some design choices and to unmanaged increases in traffic, parking and lighting. One neighbor said he regularly retrieves home run balls from his front yard and asked for stronger outfield netting and restrictions on staging parking in the residential block behind the outfield.

Council members weighed options: some favored a faster, city‑led turf upgrade to restore playability; others urged formation of a focused ad‑hoc committee of baseball experts, league representatives and nearby residents to develop a community‑informed scope and an operations model. Several councilmembers raised the option of a management agreement or third‑party operator to run a renovated facility — a structure used elsewhere for specialized venues — but said any outsourcing would require a council‑approved contract with use guarantees for local youth and municipal events.

Consultant Jerry Cranston (Bentley Group) recommended producing a phased scope and an "a la carte" budget that lists required renovation items (grandstand repair, dugouts, restroom and locker rooms) separately from optional, high‑cost add‑ons (scoreboard, full synthetic turf). Cranston said his team will produce a construction budget and menu of options so the city can sequence work by available funds.

What's next: Council directed staff to return with language to form a short, time‑limited ad‑hoc committee to write recommendations for Bishop Field and to include possible FY‑27 budget items for quick wins (netting, dugout/enlarged restrooms, pilot turf options) where feasible. No appropriation was made at the meeting.