8.1.A PRSR 04-08-2009Item: 8. I .A
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager
DATE: April 2, 2009
SUBJECT: Discussion -Use of Athletic Field Facilities by Private, For-
Profit
Organizations
Request
Our Department has received several requests from private, for-profit organizations wishing
to rent City of Elk River athletic facilities for the purpose of operating tournaments for
profit. Currently we do not have an in-take process in place to accommodate these types of
requests. Staff is looking for feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission on the
best direction in handling these requests.
Information for your consideration
• These are private, for-profit groups.
• Most participants in these programs would likely reside outside of Elk River.
• In some cases these organizations may offer activities that duplicate programs
already offered through the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Our current field use application form and fee structure was set up with the intent of
accommodating non-profit youth organizations.
• Renting to these type of groups would have the benefit of additional rental revenue
as well as the economic value of bringing participants into the Elk River community
for an event.
Discussion Items
Staff recommends two possible options to discuss:
1) Private, for-profit groups not be allowed to rent City of Elk River Facilities. Rather
facilities would only be accessible by the Parks and Recreation Department and other
non-profit organizations.
2) Private, for-profit groups be allowed to rent City of Elk River Facilities under the
following constraints:
o Elk River Parks and Recreation activities and youth oriented non-profit
groups be accommodated before releasing fields to private, for-profit
organizations.
o Anew application form be created with fees and guidelines appropriate for
these types of organizations.