Submitted By: Preston Pooser
Presentation By: Preston Pooser
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Department: Recreation and Parks
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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T-Ball field usage at Jervey Gantt
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
On February 21, 2023, Mr. John Ivory representing NFL Flag Football approached City Council about waiving practice field fees and re-purposing the four T-Ball fields at Jervey Gantt for NFL Flag. City staff met with Marion County Youth Football League (MCYFL) and NFL Flag Football representatives (in two separate meetings) to discuss field usage and conditions, parking, lighting, and fees. The meetings were productive and informative for all parties.
Regarding T-Ball, the Ocala Recreation and Parks Department utilizes the T-Ball fields at Jervey Gantt for internal T-Ball programs and Start Smart programs. Over the past two years the fields have been utilized as follows:
• Start Smart Lacrosse Spring 2021 - 35-45 youth, ages 6 to 7
• Tiny Mite T-Ball Spring & Fall 2021 - 100-140 youth, ages 3 to 4
• Mighty Mites T-Ball Fall 2021 - 100-140 youth, ages 5 to 6
• Tiny Mite T-Ball Fall 2022 - 50-60 youth, ages 3 to 4
• Mighty Mites T-Ball Fall 2022 - 50-60 youth, ages 5 to 6
• The Start Smart program will return in Fall 2023
• Carrigan Baseball - utilize the fields for practice three times per week during the fall and spring. They average 15 youth per team. The coach and players comprise 60 people per week and 1,440 people for fall and spring.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
NFL Flag owed $190 in fees ($10 per hour), but this has been paid. Staff does not recommend the City stop charging this minimal fee for field usage. Given the utilization of the T-Ball fields and the parking constraints at Jervey Gantt, staff does not recommend re-purposing the T-Ball fields for NFL Flag.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A