About five years since the sports complex re-opened with $3.4 million in upgrades, Mayor Gary Monahan is pushing for more development and a possible public-private partnership.
First up was Major League Softball Inc., which claimed it would draw in youth and adult sports from around the county and split the profits from fees and licenses with the city. The league's president, Dave Johnson, said his company would renovate and enlarge the fields and close off access to the park, save for an entrance off Arlington Drive.
He envisioned the parks as a year-round destination for local families and traveling sports teams, with maintenance and amenities — including beer and wine sales — as key.
"You can put up all the pretty pictures you want, but you keep that turf plush, you have reasonable fees, and you'll have that park full," Johnson said. "Am I going to build you those nice food courts and spend a lot of money without beer and wine? No."
The company would still be open to operating the park, though, and Johnson promised not to "nickel and dime" residents by charging them to get in.
Johnson's comment might have been a shot at Sportsplex USA, which offered to lease the park, charge an entrance fee for adults and pay the city monthly dues.
Big League Dreams Sports Park founder Richard Odekirk pointed out his company has been featured in Sports Illustrated and on national news shows, and has the backing of former Major League Baseball players.
His company creates mini-versions of MLB parks, so the potential for TeWinkle Park is big, but he reassured the commission he could adjust his plans to the city's liking.
"We're prepared to do exactly what you want us to do," he said.
