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CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM |
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Department: |
Parks and Recreation |
Commission Meeting Date: November 1, 2016 |
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Staff Contact: |
Tim Laurent, Recreation Operations Manager |
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Recommendations/Options/Action Requested: |
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Approve changes to the court use policy at Sports Pavilion Lawrence allowing use of all eight courts for a select number of large signature events/tournaments. |
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Executive Summary: |
Since opening its doors in the fall of 2014 Sports Pavilion Lawrence has hosted over 60 tournaments/events generating over $9,750,000 in economic impact for the city of Lawrence. Staff has, with one exception, left at least one court open for free play during each of these events. It has become clear, however, that the court is being utilized mainly by tournament participants and their families rather than Douglas County residents. Staff is seeking City Commission approval to use all eight courts for a select number of large signature events/tournaments per year based on the following concerns:
· Safety of tournament participants · Quality of experience for both tournament and free play participants · Ability to secure and retain large tournaments/events
Staff will make every effort to minimize the number of hours free play is not offered and will insure free play is available at the other LPRD recreation centers. Staff does not anticipate more than 20 days per year that free play will be affected. It is important to note that during the majority of these events free play would not be eliminated completely. As teams lose and the number of games being played begins to diminish courts would in turn open up for free play. Staff will insure that key card holders are notified and adjusted free play times are posted at SPL and on our website at least one week in advance. See example in attachments.
The following is an excerpt from the Sports Pavilion Lawrence Policies and Procedures containing the current and proposed free play policy.
Parks & Recreation Sports Pavilion Lawrence Policies and Procedures
C. Facility Access
3. [CURRENT POLICY STATEMENT] During normal advertised operating hours SPL will make available a minimum of one 50’ X 75’ court for free play.
3. [PROPOSED POLICY STATEMENT] During normal advertised operating hours SPL will make available a minimum of one 50’ X 75’ court for free play. However, for a maximum of 20 days a year staff may limit the amount of free play offered to accommodate large signature events and tournaments. Staff will make every effort to minimize the number of hours that free play is not offered and will insure free play is available at the other LPRD recreation centers during such events. Staff will insure that any alterations in free play time will be posted and key card holders notified at least 1 week in advance.
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Strategic Goal Area: |
Economic Development |
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Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source): |
Potential loss of department revenue and the economic impact to the City of Lawrence. |
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Attachments: |
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