Title
A Resolution Supporting the City of Colorado Springs Sponsorship of the UCCS Baseball Field Grant Application to Great Outdoors Colorado on Behalf of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Tilah Larson, Senior Grants Analyst - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Nathan Gibson - UCCS Athletic Director
Beau Kelly - UCCS Assistant Director of Development
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department proposes to sponsor a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Local Park and Outdoor Recreation grant application, “UCCS Baseball Field” on behalf of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The $350,000 grant application will
support the construction of the proposed UCCS baseball field. The baseball field will have significant community access and will increase the number of recreational opportunities for youth in Colorado Springs. The lighted, artificial turf field will have significant public access, with the ability to host youth baseball, soccer, football, and ultimate frisbee in addition to UCCS intercollegiate athletic competition.
The GOCO grant will support the purchase of artificial field turf and stadium lights. The UCCS baseball field is a $5 million project, and UCCS will raise the remaining $4.65 million through private philanthropy. The collaboration involved in the UCCS Baseball Field Project will not only help alleviate the current shortage of fields in the community and significantly enhance youth sports opportunities, it will do so without creating fiscal strain. It is anticipated that the field will have the opportunity to host many of the City’s youth sports teams, D11’s baseball program, Academy Little League teams, the Colorado Springs Christian School’s baseball program, and many of the City’s adult league teams, in addition to being home to the fledgling UCCS baseball program.
The grant application will request $350,000 from GOCO and the required matching dollars have been raised through philanthropic support by UCCS.
No City funds are requested in support of this application or planning project.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
GOCO's Local Park and Outdoor Recreation program seeks to spur the development of new park development or enhance existing park facilities to improve recreational opportunities for communities.
Financial Implications:
The City has agreed to sponsor UCCS as GOCO requires that a qualified government agency submit the application as well as receive and disburse funds for this Local Parks and Recreation grant. No City funds are needed nor requested as part of this sponsorship application.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board heard this item at its monthly meeting held on November 10, 2016. The Board voted unanimously to support the proposed resolution.
Stakeholder Process:
The UCCS Baseball Field dovetails with the community’s expressed interest in outdoor recreational amenities from 2014 Park System Master Plan. The plan showed significant support of an active lifestyle as well as a commitment to youth sports opportunities. It is envisioned that this synergistic partnership between the City and UCCS will serve a large and diverse array of youth sports teams, student-athletes, and adult athletes in the Pikes Peak region. Anticipated users include: (1) the City’s 4,000 youth baseball/softball players; (2) Academy Little League’s over 800 players (62 teams); (3) Colorado Springs District 11’s 240 student baseball players (varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams); (4) Colorado Springs Christian School’s 35 student baseball players; (5) UCCS’ 45 student baseball players as well as 25 club baseball players; and (6) many of the City’s 4,300 youth football players, 2,100 youth soccer players, 77 adult flag football teams, and ultimate Frisbee players who will all be able to take advantage of the large field size.
Alternatives:
City Council may choose not to pass a Resolution of Sponsorship for the UCCS Baseball Field LPOR grant application. Doing so would limit the recreational opportunities for youth in the City of Colorado Springs.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to approve the Resolution supporting the City’s sponsorship of the UCCS Baseball Field Grant application to Great Outdoors Colorado on behalf of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A