Subject
Consideration of a proposal by the Hermiston Youth Lacrosse (HYL) to develop the south 20 acres of overflow parking into sports fields.
Summary and Background
Early in the summer, HYL approached the city and Venuworks about the possibility of developing a portion of the EOTEC property into sports fields with priority for Lacrosse usage. After a series of meetings the proposal before you was presented to city staff and Venuworks staff. It includes irrigation and lighting for enough space that a series of fields could be painted for various fields of different sizes for different sports. A specific agreement would be drafted to provide specific usage in exchange for HYL's initial development work.
The sport of Lacrosse has been growing quite rapidly here in our area, in the Pacific Northwest and around the country. Our current field availability has made it so that HYL is limited in their ability to have field time and the ability to host potentially lucrative tournaments.
Tie-In to Council Goals:
Goal 2 was titled EOTEC. There was no specific task mentioning sports field space but other tasks are supported by this potential collaboration.
Fiscal Information
HYL has conducted an initial fundraising effort and secured a large portion of the estimated $95,000 for this portion of the project. When city staff met with them other sources of funding were presented to the group and nearly all the money is accounted for. If there are any gaps in funding, city funds may be used.
Alternatives and Recommendation
Alternatives
- Approve the use of this portion of EOTEC grounds for youth fields; specifically lacrosse.
- Reject the request.
Recommendation
City staff recommends approval of this proposal.
Requested Action/Motion
Motion to allow sports field development on the "front 20 acres" of EOTEC.
Submitted By: Byron Smith