Westport’s sports landscape may soon change dramatically.
At least, the fee structure part of it could.
In a decision that seems to have escaped public notice, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted 5-0 last Wednesday in favor of a proposal to begin charging rental fees to youth and adult leagues, sports camps and others requesting exclusive use of field facilities.
The new charges — which apply to, among others, “Westport-based youth leagues, adult lacrosse league, adult flag football league, adult soccer league, and the adult baseball league”– would be imposed to cover field maintenance costs, Parks & Recreation Department director Jennifer Fava said in a March 15 memo to the Parks & Rec Commission.
The proposal now goes to the Board of Selectwomen, for approval. It has not yet been posted to their meeting agenda.
Those fees — which would begin “for the 2024 fall sports season or September 1” — will augment an increase in the department’s athletic field budget, to “provide additional resources for cultural practices to improve the quality of our playing surfaces.”
The fees for Westport-based groups are:
- Westport youth leagues: $25 per participant per season
- Baseball/softball fields: $75 per hour
- Baseball/softball fields with lights: $105 per hour
- Synthetic turf fields: $100 per hour
- Synthetic turf fields with lights: $130 per hour
- Grass fields: $50 per hour
- Grass fields with lights: $80 per hour.
The fees for all other non-Westport groups requesting the exclusive use of a field that includes field preparation are:
- Baseball/softball fields: $150 per hour
- Baseball/softball fields with lights: $180 per hour
- Synthetic turf fields: $150 per hour
- Synthetic turf fields with lights: $180 per hour
- Grass fields: $100 per hour
- Grass fields with lights: $130 per hour.
Fees could be imposed on youth and adult league users of Wakeman’s turf and grass fields — and other Parks & Recreation properties — beginning September 1.
(For more information, click here and scroll down to pages 14-17. Hat tip: Toni Simonetti)
Fees to “provide additional resources for cultural practices to improve the quality of our playing surfaces.” What “cultural practices”? What does this mean?
Not unusual. Other towns adopt this model. That said, was it made clear if these new funds would be used directly/specifically for field upkeep & improvements? Would the town continue to spend its current budget $ allocated for fields, or do these new fees allow the town to redirect current funds to other areas – if so, they should make that clear since it implies self-funded sports leagues in the future. Finally, the implication to all residents is that current fees for participation will go up as youth leagues won’t have these funds available and as a result, some kids may get priced (yes, even in Westport!) out of participation which would be very sad and counter to an inclusive activity.
I am strongly in favor of these fees for pay-to-play leagues and out of town organizations. The fees should be higher, actually.
Proceeds from the fees go into the General Fund. I asked this question at the meeting (audio recording available) and this was the answer. Jen Fava explains the revenue it will help offset the P&R expense line and better balance the PR budget, but the funds go into the general fund. PRC chair Floyd then disallowed further budget related discussions.
How about charging $25 for grille use at compo beach.. There is wear and tear and it has to be cleaned. 🤓.
With the fees being raised what assurance is there that these fees will improve facilities. Who’s watching Jen Fava and parks and rec committee? They have proven there is no transparency in this department. Keep your eye on this ball!
The “sustainability report” and precisely how expenses and revenues are being newly ascribed (resulting is these new fees and fee increases) should be a public document for all to evaluate and discuss. I do not believe that an accurate delineated cost/revenue description has been publicized. For example, how much of the PRD’s “administrative costs, overhead, personnel salaries, overtime expenses, etc.” are being applied to the recreational and program fees, and in what fashion?
Astoundingly the PRC has stated that they do not have this information and did not have it when approving these fee decisions. For transparency the public must have access to this before it gets implemented by the BoS.
Perhaps Dan can get this posted to his blog.