At the Salina City Commission meeting on August 26, 2024, commissioners approved an updated fee structure for the rental of city sports facilities, including Dean Evans Stadium, Pestinger Family Stadium, and Bill Burke Memorial Park. The new fees, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, are part of a broader effort to ensure that the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading these facilities are adequately covered.
Jeff Hammond, the Director of Parks and Recreation, presented the proposed fee increases to the commission. He explained that the adjustments are necessary to keep pace with ongoing maintenance, repairs, and the eventual replacement of synthetic turf at these venues. Hammond noted that while rental and program fees contribute to covering these costs, a significant portion still comes from the city’s general fund. The new fee structure aims to increase cost recovery while keeping the facilities affordable for users.
The fee increases were recommended by both the Berkley Family Recreational Area Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board after a review of comparable facilities across Kansas. The updated rates include increases for various user groups, including schools, colleges, and private rentals. For example, the fees for seven-inning and nine-inning games at Dean Evans Stadium will increase by 10% and 20%, respectively. Practice hour fees will also see an increase, rising from $50 to $60 per hour, with an additional rate of $90 per hour for teams with 40 or more participants.
One of the key discussions during the meeting revolved around the wear and tear on the facilities, particularly those used by Kansas Wesleyan University. Commissioners expressed concerns about the impact of larger, adult-sized players on the fields compared to younger athletes, and debated whether the university should contribute more towards maintenance and replacement costs.
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Despite some reservations about the fee increases, the commission ultimately approved the updated structure, with the understanding that the fees would be revisited annually to ensure they remain fair and effective in covering the necessary expenses.
The updated fees are part of the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality sports facilities that serve the needs of the community while managing resources responsibly. The new structure will help build a dedicated Turf Maintenance Fund, which currently has a balance of $150,000 and is projected to grow to $550,000 by 2031. This fund will support the continued upkeep and future replacement of the synthetic turf at the city’s premier sports venues.
