7.1 PRSR 03-08-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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16 ATHLETIC FIELDS STUDY City of Elk River, Minnesota 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% April Week 1 April Week 2 April Week 3 April Week 4 May Week 1 May Week 2 May Week 3 May Week 4 May Week 5 June Week 1 June Week 2 June Week 3 June Week 4 July Week 1 July Week 2 July Week 3 July Week 4 July Week 5 Small Sized Baseball/Softball - Weekdays Used by Others Used by Youth Baseball Used by Youth Softball Not Used 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% April Week 1 April Week 2 April Week 3 April Week 4 May Week 1 May Week 2 May Week 3 May Week 4 May Week 5 June Week 1 June Week 2 June Week 3 June Week 4 July Week 1 July Week 2 July Week 3 July Week 4 July Week 5 Small Sized Baseball/Softball - Weekends Used by Others Used by Youth Baseball Used by Youth Softball Not Used SMALL SIZED BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FIELDS Softball and youth baseball are both strong programs in Elk River, and are using much of the available fi eld space in the community. This extends from late April through July. While a small amount of capacity is shown for the weekdays, having a small amount of buff er is helpful for rescheduling games. There have been some questions from the community about whether the fi elds that are reserved are really being utilized, or if the pricing structure simply incentivizes associations to reserve as much fi eld space as they can, even if they are not going to use it. While it probably does occur, this does not appear to be the main driver limiting supply. It is worth noting that the city does not have many fi elds with smaller fence dimensions. Only one at OKAC and the two softball fi elds (which are prioritized to the schools) are at the smaller dimensions. Temporary fencing is available at most fi elds and used in some instances. This is a good intermediate step, but dedicated small fi elds are preferable from a user experience perspective. RECOMMENDATIONS • When the Lion John Weicht fi elds are being used for practice by the schools, schedule a second set of practices for youth softball. • Develop at least 2 dedicated 60’ baseball fi elds with grass infi elds. This could be an upgrade to the small ballfi eld at Oak Knoll (with the addition of lights) or be located as part of a future YAC expansion. These fi elds should have 200’-225’ fences. • Continue to maintain YAC 1-4 as high quality small baseball/softball fi elds. If OKAC changes to a dedicated baseball facility, increase availability for softball at YAC. • Consider the development of an additional 3-4 small fi elds with 200-225’ fences in the long run (by 2035) to accommodate growing and future demand. • Improve facilities at DAAC to modernize the facility and improve user experience -Permanent restrooms and upgrades to shelters/buildings -Netting at spectator areas Preferred 25% fi eld rest and recovery Preferred 25% fi eld rest and recovery