City to partner with Boyd Sports on ballpark netting; staff to apply for state grant for LED field lights

The Johnson City Commission reviewed two parks-related items: an MOU with Boyd Sports LLC to replace netting and support structures at the city-owned TBA Credit Union Ballpark and a staff request to apply for a Tennessee Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant to replace end-of-life lighting at Arrowwood/Mashburn Field.

Deputy City Manager Steve Willis said Boyd Sports will pay the full project cost of $117,665 upfront; the city will reimburse half ($58,008.32) in two installments, the first in December 2026 and the second in December 2027. Willis said the netting is in disrepair and replacement is a safety priority; he cited previous joint projects with Boyd in which Boyd paid upfront and the city reimbursed its share over time.

On field lighting, staff (Dr. Darden) told commissioners that existing lights date to the 1970s, bulbs and parts are obsolete, and replacement with LED fixtures and metal poles would improve playability and reduce neighborhood glare. The LPRF grant would allow the city to leverage state funds; staff said construction (if awarded) could begin in Q2–Q3 of the following year to minimize impacts on the baseball season.

Commissioners praised Boyd Sports' long-term investment in the facility, noted the project would meet current standards for safety and extended coverage down the baselines, and thanked staff for pursuing grant funding for neighborhood fields.

The commission approved consent items including the Boyd Sports MOU and authorized staff to apply for the LPRF grant.