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Officials say stadium upgrades and turf will expand year-round community use; residents question parking and cost
Summary
City officials said turf, a new track and ADA upgrades will make the stadium usable year-round and restore meets; residents raised questions about parking, user fees, and whether turf is the right choice.
Administration told the meeting the stadium and track have not had major capital improvements since 1967 and that locker rooms, restrooms and stands need upgrades for accessibility and safety. The FAQ read by Safety Service Director Patrick Ross said the city expects the upgraded facility to remain open to the public "approximately from dawn to dusk" when not reserved for school or youth-team events, and that turf would allow much greater annual use than the current grass field.
Officials said a six-lane track is proposed because site constraints prevent an eight-lane layout; several neighboring school districts use six lanes and still host meets. Residents and some council members asked about parking upgrades and whether users should pay fees or whether private funding alternatives were explored. Administration noted it has applied for grant funding — including a $1,000,000 state capital request — but that the bond secures the primary financing if grants are not awarded.
