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Moose Lake board tables Home Run Club’s $75,000 dugout proposal pending EDA and school discussions
Summary
The Parks & Recreation Board postponed action on a Home Run Club plan to fund two upgraded dugouts estimated at $75,000, asking for input from the Economic Development Authority and the School Board amid concerns about land use and long-term maintenance.
Board member Sam Hvidsten called the Moose Lake Parks & Recreation Board to order on June 1, and members moved directly into a debate over a proposed baseball dugout upgrade funded by the Home Run Club.
The Home Run Club proposed raising funds and paying for two 50-by-16-foot upgraded dugouts for the city’s fields, with an estimated project cost of $75,000. The proposal specified that the dugouts would not include water or sewer and that the city would be expected to maintain the field for baseball use.
The proposal prompted questions about property lines, access and long-term land use. Board member Keith Carlson said community members have reported difficulty accessing the school baseball fields and asked whether a survey could verify lot lines. Councilor Walter Lower III voiced concern that committing the site to long-term recreational use could prevent future residential development at what he described as a strong housing site and said taxpayers are effectively supporting the school’s baseball fields. Administrator Ellissa Owens said developers have approached the city about the property and recommended the Economic Development Authority and City Council be involved in long-term planning; she added that additional land would be needed for parking if the field were made permanent. A participant identified as Spencer said the school field is unsafe and estimated reconstruction would cost more than $1 million.
After discussion, Councilor Lower moved to table the dugout conversation; Keith Carlson seconded. The board voted to table the item, with Yes votes recorded for Carlson, Lower, Ohlin and Stewart. Lower requested EDA and School Board input at next month’s meeting, and Carlson urged the process be kept moving so planning is not delayed.
The outcome leaves the Home Run Club’s offer on hold pending additional review by the EDA and School Board and further fact-finding on lot boundaries, parking needs and long-term maintenance responsibilities. The board did not adopt or reject the dugout proposal and has scheduled follow-up for the July meeting.
