The Salina City Commission approved new fees for Bill Burke Park, Dean Evans Stadium, and Pestinger Family Stadium at their January 27, 2025 meeting.
The commission voted to adopt Resolution 25-8278, which sets previously undetermined fees for these facilities.
The new fee structure includes different rates for adult teams and teams with larger rosters. For Bill Burke Park, the regular practice rate remains $17 per hour, while the adult practice rate is set at $40 per hour.
At Dean Evans and Pestinger stadiums, there is a 25% surcharge for adult teams and an additional 25% surcharge for teams with rosters exceeding 40 players.
The commission discussed the rationale behind the different rates, with some members suggesting that larger, adult players cause more wear on the facilities. However, there was debate about whether scientific evidence supported this assumption.
Kansas Wesleyan University representative Ken Oliver addressed the commission, expressing concern about the impact of increased fees on their budget. Oliver also expressed concerns about Kansas Wesleyan being singled out. Oliver requested the commission consider a three-year graduated fee structure to allow for budgeting adjustments.
Commissioners also discussed the possibility of higher rates for out-of-county teams, though this was not included in the final resolution.
The new fee structure aims to balance cost recovery with maintaining community partnerships and access to the facilities.
The commission noted that these fees will be reviewed annually as part of the city's regular budgeting process.
