Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/10/1998

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Commissioner Droegemueller stated the combined teams will impact four park systems and even if there is over 1000 participants, they will not all being playing on the same night, some will be traveling to other cities. Commissioner Johns commented on the number of teams in relation to the number of participants. She wondered if there is a cutoff according to the age of the player and if different age teams play on different size fields. Commissioner Droegemueller noted the presentation did not specify the different types of fields. Mr. Quaal stated they don't provide smaller fields for younger players or larger fields for older players. Commissioner Droegemueller indicated the sizes of the fields is standard for players under 13 years of age. Mr. Quaal indicated the standard size field for players under the age of 6 is 20 x 26 yards. Chair Cook asked if the increase in participants is solely based on population trends. Mr. Quaal stated that it is. Chair Cook stated he would like to look at a data base trend, the current information only shows one trend. He would like to look at the possibilities of the interest in softball becoming less and football increasing in interest and how the needs might change. Mr. Boos commented it is anticipated that interest in softball may moderately decline or stabilize in terms of participants and that he felt the numbers looked realistic. Commissioner Droegemueller noted with regard to baseball, the combination of teams from two other cities has increased the number of playing fields from 12 to 35 which allows good flexibility. Commissioner Ostrum asked how things stand currently with football and soccer fields. Commissioner Droegemueller stated the football and soccer teams do not have their own playing fields, they share fields which means football games are played in the outfields. He noted the soccer games worked out fine this summer. Mr. Boos commented that Alpine Park would be a potential place for more fall soccer fields since it's landscaping is flat. Commissioner Droegemueller stated Central Park can be scheduled with lights five days per week and he does not think football would require individual fields. Commissioner Ostrum asked if, according to the population projections, would there will be enough facilities for the future. Park and Recreation Commission/September 10, 1998 Page $ of 8