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Parks director seeks tourism grant to add artificial turf for Challenger League accessibility
Summary
Associate Parks Director Nathan Kane asked the council to back a tourism-bureau grant application to convert infields to artificial turf at the existing ballpark; total cost is $1,290,000, about $960,000 in private funds have been secured and a tourism grant up to $250,000 could reduce town outlay.
Associate Parks Director Nathan Kane presented a proposal to pursue a tourism bureau grant to convert infields at the town ballpark to artificial turf. Kane said the conversion would increase accessibility for Challenger League players (individuals with disabilities), allow the town to host larger tournaments and expand economic impact from tournaments.
Kane told the council, “The total project cost, is 1,290,000 to do all 7 fields.” He said the town has secured about $960,000 from private sponsorships and donations and that the tourism bureau grant could provide up to $250,000; Kane described the grant as a capital fund award that does not require a local match.
Kane said the project would not add new fields but would convert existing infields on six of seven fields and make better use of parking and accessibility at the Gateway site. He asked the council for a resolution to apply; staff expects to return a resolution for formal approval at the September 2 meeting.
Council members asked about parking, Challenger League needs and fundraising status; Kane said the project could be done with very little out‑of‑pocket cost to the town if private donations and the grant are realized.
