Friends of Hoy Park recount $1.6M-plus investment, credit sports tourism with $5M annual impact

Chico Ramos, event coordinator and park director for Friends of Hoy Park, briefed council on June 22 about multi-year investments and community partnerships that have revitalized Hoy Park and generated sports tourism.

Ramos said the Memorial Cup legacy fund contributed about $1.6 million toward restoration and that ARPA funds and private donors helped repair roads, add pavilions, LED lighting and other amenities. He said Hoy Park hosts roughly 20 tournament weekends and recently ran an event with 55 teams, estimating $1,500–2,000 people at peak weekends and an annual economic impact of about $5 million for the city and surrounding communities.

"Hoy Park delivers results: community partnership, economic development, youth opportunities—5 million in annual economic impact," Ramos said, detailing partnerships with schools, county parks and workforce programs that help staff and maintain facilities.

Council members praised the volunteers and noted discussions to extend some service models—such as youth workforce placements—to Ojiway Island and other parks. Ramos and staff also described plans for additional restroom facilities, ADA access and ongoing maintenance; council and staff said they are exploring funding partnerships to finish remaining items.

What’s next: Council accepted the report; staff will continue coordinating with Friends of Hoy Park and seek partner funding to complete remaining park improvements and staffing plans.