Marble Falls looks at opening up softball field to more sports

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

MARBLE FALLS — Marble Falls Parks and Recreation commissioners voted to continue a discussion on turning Johnson Park softball field into a multipurpose facility. The commission aims to invite leaders of the area’s community sports leagues to a workshop at a later date.

During their regular meeting Dec. 7, commissioners reviewed the positives of the facility’s use agreement between the city and an adult soccer league conducted by Evodio Bernabe.

Parks and Recreation Director Robert Moss said both parties upheld each part of the agreement, which was for October to December and based on a number of days. In addition to the league paying $1,500, it also had an alcohol permit and picked up trash once the league wrapped up each day. The city allowed the athletes to play three times a week.

Moss was encouraged by the way each side took care of what they promised, which was a factor in prompting him to consider turning the facility into something that can do more other than host softball and kickball tournaments.

That cued vice chairman Mark McCary to express unease.

“I think it would be very troublesome to turn the ballfield from one sport to the other,” he said.

Moss noted that when he arrived in 2007, the area adult softball leagues played five days a week; now, it’s only once a week in the church league.

“I don’t see that coming back,” he said of the adult softball leagues.

He added that adult soccer isn’t the only sport that’s played on the field, noting semi-pro football teams and select softball and baseball teams have practiced on it, and his office has received phone calls from those wanting to organize rugby and lacrosse teams and use the field as a practice area.

The two biggest reasons are the grassy outfield and the stadium lights, he said, adding city staff have the playing area fixed to accommodate multiple sports with the exception of the infield dirt surface.

He noted baseballs come at infielders very quickly and the infield makes it difficult for soccer.

“That area wasn’t designed for soccer,” he said. “It needs to be improved for multi-use. The ground may be leveled and mixed with the other soils.”

Chairman David Rhodes said it’s important to the commissioners that they hear from sports community league leaders to ask their thoughts on how best to use that facility.

Moss said he is studying the facility to develop a long-term plan for it.

“That kind of information would be useful to have,” he said of holding a workshop with the community sports leaders.

“I’d like for them to come with specific answers to specific questions,” Rhodes said. “That also tells the story.”

Commissioner Steve Manley said his concern is having the money to pay for such changes.

The director noted that Tax Increase Reinvestment Zone allows part of that money to go into public facilities such as parks. It was set up two years ago by the city council and goes up as the tax base rises because more taxes will be collected.

“A certain percentage of it has to go into improving public parks,” he said. “There will be funds in the future.”

Commissioner Charles Watkins noted the parks in that part of the city will be impacted by the potential $35 million hotel/conference center for which the Economic Development Corp. is searching for partners to build.

Moss agreed.

“That particular thing will be huge to get the tax value; that’s where the numbers go up,” he said. “The EDC project is going to significantly change the whole area of that area. That’s a huge impact and domino effect on Lakeside Park, Falls Creek Park and Johnson Park.”

One of the hopes is to build a bridge that links Lakeside Park to Johnson Park.   

The director said Bernabe has already expressed a desire to sign a new agreement for March-June. Since the past few weeks have gone well, there’s very little reservation in signing a new term.

Both staff members and commissioners agreed; however, they want feedback from the people who use that facility the most.

“I’m in favor of what the community wants as a whole,” McCary said. “But it seems we get very little input.”

The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is noon Jan. 4.

The commissioners also:

• voted to change up the verbiage on the memorial for boat racer Mike Fry, who was killed while competing during the 2015 LakeFest. It now reads “Racer’s Landing: The City of Marble Falls dedicates this landing in memory of Mike Fry and in honor of all racers who run this river as part of Marble Falls LakeFest.” McCary, who also serves as the Marble Falls/ Lake LBJ president, said the memorial will look very similar to the city’s memorial at Johnson Park.

• were told letters for Spring Break 2016 were sent out to people and businesses who have helped put on the activities.

• were told the EDC paid $38,000 for upgrades and changes to the audio-visual system at Lakeside Pavillon.

• were told Go Paddle Down was sold to David Rodgers and is now called Jolly Rodgers, so a new agreement will have to be signed with Rodgers to use the building at 120 S. Main.

• were reminded that some have terms that will expire after the February meeting.

jfierro@thepicayune.com