Wadsworth Youth Football offers to fund half of Summit Toyota Field irrigation

Brian Hall, representing Wadsworth Youth Football, told the Public Ways Committee on June 8 that the Bird Street (Summit Toyota) field becomes "very hard" in dry months and poses a safety risk for players. He said the organization maintains the field (fertilization, lining and mowing) and serves about 500 youth across flag, tackle and cheer programs and that the league was willing to invest in improvements: according to attendees the league would contribute roughly half the cost of the proposed work.

Contractor Brett Randolph, of Randolph Lawn & Landscape, presented a site assessment and installation plan and said the project could be completed quickly. "This was a big job; probably one of the bigger ones the company would do," Randolph said, and recommended equipment and brands familiar to municipal projects. Public Service Director Matt Hiscock cautioned that municipal fields present distinct design, safety and maintenance needs; he described the City’s focus as risk management and noted irrigation components, winterization and head placement can create trip or impact hazards for players. Hiscock added the City typically seeks three quotes for public work and that the existing budget contained no line for a 50% City contribution. The committee heard that the Randolph quote in hand was "just under $30,000."

Next steps agreed by staff and committee members were procedural: the youth organization should refine the plan and provide additional specifications (soil testing, piping depth, head types and winterization approach) so staff can solicit competitive bids, confirm water-service options and evaluate whether to include the work in the next budget cycle. Council members asked staff to investigate grant options and to return a budget number based on a three-quote process before any City commitment was made.