Board votes 4–1 to advance deed/management agreement for Hyum Field to county parks

The Hampshire County Board of Education voted 4–1 on June 25 to present a revised agreement and pursue deed transfer work to turn operational responsibility for Hyum Field over to the county parks commission.

Staff told the board that an unsigned agreement (referred to in materials as the agreement) will include an amended effective date to cover the district through June 30, 2027 or until a deed transfer is complete; staff said the change was meant to ensure continuous liability coverage while title work and deed drafting proceed. The board discussed title searches, prior approvals and whether the district previously voted on related land swaps; staff said they would verify the minutes and return with documentation.

Members asked practical questions about the site. Staff said the intent is to keep the field as green space under parks management and that Parks & Recreation would assume responsibilities for maintenance after transfer. The board also discussed a related basketball court that carries federal funding restrictions and therefore may remain encumbered for recreational use only; staff said the attorney handling the deed work will address those issues.

The board debated who will pay for attorney work to complete deeds and title work; staff said the county commission or parks would not charge the district and indicated that external counsel would perform the transfer work. A motion to present the amended agreement to Parks & Recreation was moved, seconded and passed by roll call 4–1.

Next steps: staff will confirm the district’s earlier minutes and title history, work with attorneys to draft the deed language reflecting the agreed dates and return to the board with the finalized documents for any required subsequent approvals.