Lawrence City parks board approves seasonal use agreements for youth and adult sports

The Lawrence City Parks Board voted Feb. 11 to approve a slate of seasonal facility-use agreements that will allow local and regional sports organizations to use Lawrence parks this spring and summer.

Parks staff presented agreements for Circle City Athletics, which will run pickleball sessions beginning March 1 at Lee Road Park and Alexander Park ($8 per hour, total $1,792 for the advertised season) and a split softball season at Alexander Park ($25 per game per field, total $2,600). The board also approved Sunday dates for the Indianapolis Gaelic Athletic Association at Burns Park (15 sessions, total $2,250), a three-day booking for an international drum corps at Burns Park (three sessions, $150 per day, total $450), and seasonal field use by I9 sports at Burns Park (18 sessions, $65 per field, total $3,510).

"Circle City Athletics, 4 courts...Just Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting March 1 and through ... October 14," staff said when presenting the pickleball schedule and price. City legal reviewed the agreements before they were brought to the board, staff said.

Board members discussed age ranges and participation levels. Staff reported I9 averaged about 88 participants per season for some offerings, and board members asked staff to pursue outreach to increase female participation and to work with school and community partners to broaden access.

The board took a single motion to approve the presented agreements. A member moved, another seconded, and the chair called for the ayes; the motion passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded on the transcript.

Next steps: staff will finalize agreements and schedule follow-ups with the groups, and the board said it expects to monitor participation and the condition of park facilities as the season progresses.