8.2 PRSR 02-10-2021
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and
community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
8.2
Agenda Section
Discussion
Meeting Date
February 10, 2021
Prepared by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
Adult Softball League Discussion
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discuss the declining participation in the Adult Softball League Parks and Recreation program.
Background/Discussion
The Men’s Adult Softball League is the only program we have seen a consistent drop in interest from a 2014
high of 54 teams to 21 teams in 2019 (Summer Leagues). We were able to get 13-teams for 2020. The Fall Co-
Rec League was cancelled with an interest of 16 teams in 2014 to 0 in 2015.
Based on the framework outlined in the recreation program plan, an evaluation of the Men’s Softball League
program recommends for it to be repositioned or eliminated. Its program life cycle has been in the decline
stage for several years and the national trends show a drop of over 12% for the past five years. It is not listed
as a core program for the department nor does it meet any of the program determinants outlined in the plan.
Most cities are experiencing a drop in interest and some have cancelled or reduced their adult softball
programs. Staff feels the softball fields could better be utilized by youth sports teams during the year.
Does the Commission recommend cancelling the Adult Softball League program or for staff to continue
planning it for 2021 with the intent to review it again the end of year?
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
Ethical, efficient, and responsible
Attachments
Adult Softball Leagues Financials
2019 Summer Adult Softball Leagues:
2019 Summer Monday Night Men’s League
Registered Teams 12
Team Fee $850.00
Early Registration Deadline Discounts Applied $1,100.00
Revenue Collected $9,100.00
Staff Cost $975.00
*Supplies (Softballs and championship awards) $2,406.56
Contractual Costs (Umpires) $4,917.00
Total Expenses $8,298.56
Monday Night League Balance $801.44
Staff worked 5 hours a night for 15 weeks totaling 75 hours for the Monday night season.
Staff wages are $13.00/hour multiplied by 75 hours.
*Some supplies purchased will be used throughout the Summer and Fall Softball League seasons.
2019 Summer Tuesday Night Men’s League
Registered Teams 9
Team Fee $850.00
Early Registration Deadline Discounts Applied $800.00
Revenue Collected $6,850.00
Staff Cost $975.00
Supplies (Softballs and championship awards) $1,219.50
Contractual Costs (Umpires) $3,870.00
Total Expenses $6,064.50
Monday Night League Balance $785.50
Staff worked 5 hours a night for 15 weeks totaling 75 hours for the Tuesday night season.
Staff wages are $13.00/hour multiplied by 75 hours.
2019 Fall Adult Softball Leagues:
2019 Fall Softball Men’s Leagues
Registered Teams 9
Team Fee $450.00
*Partial Refunds Applied $1,384.63
Revenue Collected $2,665.37
Staff Cost $455.00
**Supplies (Softballs and championship awards) $164.06
Contractual Costs (Umpires) $1,192.00
Total Expenses $1,811.06
Monday Night League Balance $854.31
Monday night league had 5 teams and Tuesday night league had 4 teams.
*Fall season was cut short due to weather cancelations, partial refunds were given to each team.
Staff worked 5 hours a night for 7 weeks totaling 35 hours for the season.
Staff wages are $13.00/hour multiplied by 35 hours.
**Supplies cost is low due to purchasing majority of softball supplies in the Spring to cover through
the Fall season. Which is reflected in the Summer Monday Night numbers.
2020 Summer Adult Softball League:
2020 Summer Men’s Softball League
Registered Teams 12*
Team Fee $807.25
Early Registration Deadline Discounts Applied $300.00
Revenue Collected $9,387.00
Staff Cost $975.00
Supplies (Softballs and championship awards) $900.00
Contractual Costs (Umpires) $5,833.00
Total Expenses $7,708.00
Monday Night League Balance $1,679.00
Staff worked 5 hours a night for 15 weeks totaling 75 hours for the Tuesday night season.
Staff wages are $13.00/hour multiplied by 75 hours.
The softball league stared in July due to COVID-19 which caused the Fall league to not happen.
*Only 2 teams registered for Monday night league, so they were combined with the Tuesday night
league.