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Council approves long-term lease with Wichita Rugby Foundation for South Lakes complex
Summary
The council approved a 15-year lease (with renewal options) with the Wichita Rugby Foundation to renovate and operate fields at South Lakes Sports Complex; the foundation will fund multi-phase improvements and pay a nominal annual rent, with Park Board and staff recommending approval.
The Wichita City Council approved a lease agreement with the Wichita Rugby Foundation (WRF) to activate and upgrade the South Lakes Sports Complex in District 4.
Reggie Davidson of Parks and Recreation presented the lease terms: a 15-year initial lease with three 15-year renewal options; WRF agreed to fund all improvements, including a near-term phase to install permanent rugby goalposts, fencing, storage, seating, lighting and scoreboards, and a later phase that could add an indoor practice facility, locker rooms, concessions and additional parking when fundraising allows. Staff said all improvement costs will be the responsibility of WRF and that the Parks Board recommended the lease at its June 8 meeting.
WRF representatives said the group intends to grow youth and adult rugby participation in Wichita and to develop the site into a regional venue. Vice Mayor Glasscock and other council members described the lease as a community partnership and praised the RFP process and the group's commitment to invest private funds to reactivate the site.
Financial notes in the presentation stated a nominal rent of $7.20 per year with a $50 increase every five years as part of the agreement; staff said utilities and operating responsibilities in the near term would be clarified in the lease and revisited when Phase 2 is reached.
Council approved the lease and authorized necessary signatures by a recorded vote (7-0). Parks staff will proceed with final contract steps and monitor implementation as WRF advances fundraising and construction.
