Elk Grove City Council Hears Proposals From SportsPlex Suitors

Like a beauty queen being wooed by two suitors, the Elk Grove City Council heard presentations last night by two varying organizations to ma...

Like a beauty queen being wooed by two suitors, the Elk Grove City Council heard presentations last night by two varying organizations to manage the city's proposed civic centers sports complex.

One on side was the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD) and on the other side was Major League Dreams. While the CCSD might represent the tried and tested boy-next-door sort of suitor, Big League Dreams was the slick and flashier out of town suitor.

CCSD led off with a presentation from recreation supervisor Zack Jones who emphasized their long ties to the community, experience at running various existing venues in the city and deep community relationships.

"We do work well with youth sports programs in the community," Jones said.

Speaking on behalf of Big League Dreams was a founder of the company Richard Odekirk. In his presentation Odekirk focused on the unique experience their company provides visitors to the 11 parks they manage on behalf of government entities.

Odekirk said that several of the park are mini-replicas of famed stadium such as Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium. Odekirk also said once they enter into an agreement to manage a facility, it becomes a major source of revenue for cities that own the facilities.

"Once the facility is open, you will never put another dime into it," he added.

During public comment four people spoke in support of Big League saying they will add much needed facilities for athletic leagues of all ages and will bring much needed revenue to the city.

Speaking in favor of the CCSD was Ed Owen who praised their ties to the community. "I hate to see the CSD get pushed aside," he said.

Tom Waltman expressed concern with the location of the proposed park saying that the civic center area will not be developed for several years. He suggested that the Elk Grove Regional Park could be redeveloped to accommodate the sportsplex.

"I am concerned about that location," Waltman said. "There is not going to be anything there for years."

Council member Gary Davis asked CCSD's Jones whether or not Elk Grove needs more capacity. Jones said that with the CCSD's existing facilities in Elk Grove that Friday nights were the only night that are fully booked.

"Right now we are not at full capacity," Jones noted.

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