DATE:                        4 November 2003

MEMO TO:                Cheryl Collins, Chair

                                    Parks & Recreation Commission

FROM:                       Ed Kitchen, City Manager 

SUBJECT:               War Memorial Stadium

             On October 28, 2003, I recommended to City Council that we pursue a three phased approach to addressing the future of War Memorial Stadium and the area surrounding this City facility.  Phase I is already underway and involves a structural assessment of the facility, including basic immediate maintenance needs.  Phase II would involve a thorough assessment of the future uses of the facility with a particular focus on the baseball field.  Phase III would involve a broader redevelopment plan for the facility and other City owned assets in the immediate area (Farmer's/Curb Market for example) that is coordinated with the Aycock Neighborhood Master Plan.   This approach was endorsed by the neighborhood and Council agreed that we should move forward on this basis.

I recommended that Phase II be managed by the Parks & Recreation Commission along with Parks & Recreation staff.  Council agreed that this was appropriate.  Accordingly, I am asking that the Commission begin this process as soon as possible.  It is my belief that your process should include at least the following:

-          An assessment of the highest and best uses of the interior of the stadium based on current and future public needs regarding athletics or other recreational events.  (Assuming baseball is a primary need, this assessment would include an analysis of alternative uses of the field for other events and any impact on ability to maintain the field for primary uses)

-          An assessment of the future needs of the tennis portions of the complex

-          An assessment of any other recreational options at the complex

-          Consideration of the impacts of events on the surrounding neighborhood (noise, parking, time of events, etc.)

-          Once the best uses are determined, analysis of the impacts of those uses on the ancillary aspects of the facility (number and types of seating, concessions, restrooms, parking, locker and team facilities, etc.)

-          Well publicized opportunities for inclusion and input from surrounding neighborhoods, potential tenants, veterans, other stakeholders and the general public.

-          Assessment of how plans for the facility fit into the overall P&R Master Plan.

I am sure there will be other matters you will want to take into consideration, but I believe the ones I have outlined are essential to a sound decision.  It is my hope that you can complete this Phase by February so that we can take any financial impacts into consideration during the upcoming budget process (particularly the Capital Improvements Program portion of the budget). 

I know that Bonnie Kuester and her staff are ready to assist you in leading this review, and I am prepared to make other City staff and resources available if needed.  We are very pleased that you will be taking on this important task to ensure that this outstanding community facility has a long and bright future.  Please contact me if I can be of assistance or answer any questions.

cc: City Council

      Bonnie Kuester

      Bob Morgan