Commission hears aggressive schedule for Hockey Park softball upgrades ahead of 2027 season

Jay Ingram, deputy director of arts and recreation, updated the commission on the Hockey Park Softball Complex plan and said staff received a final draft from the Mill Valley Softball architect and is assembling a bid package. Ingram said the city must complete technical reviews (police, fire, planning, public works) before the package is ready and that staff is aiming to take authorization to bid to the City Council at its September 21 meeting.

"The plan is to go to... the city council on September 21... There's a lot of stuff that has to happen between now and actually getting it ready for the city council report," Ingram said, describing black powder‑coated fencing, dugouts, an on‑field equipment area and a 10‑by‑50‑foot bullpen for pitchers.

Julia Wilhelm, speaking for Mill Valley Softball, said timing is critical: the league's season begins roughly March 1, 2027, and having construction bid and scheduled promptly is necessary to complete work before the spring season. "The reason why these dates are important is that our season starts at the end of February... let's call it 03/01/2027," Wilhelm said, urging the commission and staff to meet the proposed Council timeline.

Commissioners and staff discussed weather and construction constraints — staff noted a wet winter could limit concrete work — and affirmed continued coordination among departments to meet the aggressive schedule. No formal vote occurred on the project at this meeting; staff will return with the Council agenda item and any required department reviews.