HomeMy WebLinkAboutSports Park Briefing Paper 3-27-14Bozeman Sports Park Briefing Paper
submitted by the Sports Park Working Group (SPG)
In the course of many discussions during this process, several key issues continue to arise. We would appreciate the opportunity to
address and elaborate upon these, in order to ensure that everyone understands all facets of the analysis moving forward. The four
most prominent issues appear to be: (1) the amount of the funding request; (2) the proportion of bond money being requested (in
relation to the $15 million total fund); (3) the amount of the “match” or contribution by SPG; and (4) the citizenry that stands to benefit
from this project. We believe that careful consideration of these issues demonstrates ample evidence that the applicant’s request for
$7.5 million is reasonable and, in fact, necessary to serve the goals of our community, as articulated by the City of Bozeman on
multiple occasions.
1. Applicant’s Funding Request
The request of $7.5 million dollars was based on several factors, primarily a thorough analysis of cost associated with
development of a high quality, premier facility in this region that will attract out-of-town teams/visitors as well as Bozeman
citizens for a wide range of uses. The requested funds represent an investment by the City in child welfare, public health,
green infrastructure and promotion of tourism/economic development, in addition to promoting a sense of community and
creating safer neighborhoods and safer routes to schools.
We understand that the requested funding represents a large financial commitment; however, it is important to
recognize that the need for – and importance of - this type of facility has been recognized by the City of Bozeman for decades.
Unfortunately, the opportunity to provide the financial support for such a project has not been available during that time. In
fact, while other TOP-related projects have received periodic City funding, it appears that the City has allocated little to no
funding to the development of new sports fields during at least the past 15 years. We believe the amount of the request is
reasonable, given this historical context and the wide-ranging benefits to be derived from this project.
2. Proportion of Bond Funds
The applicant’s request represents 50% of the total bond money and is the largest request received. As recognized
above, this dollar amount does represent a significant investment; however, simple comparisons of dollars requested by each
applicant do not provide an adequate analysis here.
It is important to recognize that this sports park project, unlike any other project proposed during this process, will
yield significant financial returns to the community of Bozeman. In fact, the economic analysis has shown that, during years of
average tournament activity (2-3 tournaments/year), over $3 million of visitor expenditures will be generated for the
community. It is for this reason that the TBID and the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce unanimously endorsed this
project. As a result, we would submit that a simple comparison of relative financial requests for the bond money at issue is
inappropriate, given the potential for return on this investment. Unlike trail system segments, where an inventory of projects
will continually emerge, a sports park of the size proposed, when fully developed, should meet demand for decades to come.
3. The Amount of “Match” or Contribution by SPG
SPG has expressed confidence that it will be able to secure approximately $500,000 “matching” funding for this
project, to be added to the $7.5 million requested. The relative proportion of these two numbers has raised some concern.
While we understand how, at first glance, this concern might arise we think it is important to reconsider this perspective and
the corresponding analysis in order to understand the full extent of the SPG’s contribution.
SPG, unlike most other applicants in the process, has neither the support of an established membership nor paid
staff and this situation is not likely to change in the foreseeable future. SPG is a wholly volunteer group of citizens engaged in
a grassroots effort to secure sports fields for the community. As a result, the capacity of SPG to conduct large scale
fundraising is not analogous to the other applicants. Despite this, SPG is committed to raising as much money as possible to
support this endeavor and hopes and plans to exceed the $500,000 target. In order to be successful, SPG’s fundraising efforts
will be focused on the design and construction of the actual fields as it would be futile to try to raise philanthropic funds for off-
site and on-site infrastructure. From this perspective, the $500,000 goal is best juxtaposed against the approximately $3
million field construction cost rather than the entire $7.5 million project cost.
We believe, however, that additional contributions by SPG should be factored into this analysis. Several members of
SPG worked tirelessly and were instrumental in orchestrating the successful bond campaign. It is due to their contribution,
along with those of other private volunteers, that this $15 million bond is now available for the city’s distribution to our
community. In addition, as a result of the relationship cultivated by members of SPG, the purchase price of the land in
question is well below market value. A recently completed appraisal puts the value of this land at $2.4 million whereas the
seller had agreed to a purchase price of $2 million. Arguable, this $400,000 in savings is attributable to work done by SPG
members and should be recognized as part of the group’s contribution to this project. Finally, the user groups that comprise
SPG intend to sign a use agreement that will result in a ‘facility surcharge’ on the registration of every youth athlete
participating in these leagues; funds raised in this way will represent additional ongoing contributions to this project.
4. Beneficiaries of the Proposed Project
There appears to be some confusion/concern about this segment of the population that stands to benefit from this
project. Obviously, a huge priority for the SPG is a high quality facility for youth sports that will enable Bozeman youth to
practice and play during early spring and fall, as well as to host statewide and regional tournaments thereby generating
associated revenue (as discussed above.) However, the range of potential beneficiaries of this facility is much wider in scope
and it is intended that the planning process will ensure that the broader needs of the community are met as well. The size of
the park provides for any number of future dedicated uses as the needs and demands of the community change.
The potential for multiple, diverse usage of this facility is huge. Beyond soccer and lacrosse fields, there will be trails,
open space, picnic areas and a playground. The Sports Park will also serve as a Safe-Route-to-School connection between
CJMS and Meadowlark School plus there is the potential for winter uses such as ice skating and Nordic skiing. The options for
usage are nearly limitless and the planning process will allow the public an opportunity to articulate the ways in which this
facility can best serve our community. Whether via organized team sports or informal use we are confident that the use of this
park by Bozeman’s youth, in hours and user days, will far outstrip any of Bozeman’s current or proposed parks.
Respectfully Submitted by:
The Sports Park Working Group
Chris Budeski, citizen volunteer engineer
Allen May, citizen volunteer organizer
Chris Naumann, Bozeman Lacrosse Board President
Paul Rubright, Blittz Soccer Board President
Tim Stefan, citizen volunteer sports field architect
Kristin Taylor, citizen volunteer organizer