Several parents have expressed concern over whether the City-owned Price Fields Sports Complex will have management in place for the spring season.
The answer to the question is a resounding “Yes,” City Manager Mike Bailey said this week.
“Due to the recent expiration of the contract that was in place between the City and 4F Sports for management of the City-owned fields, I understand parents are concerned,” Bailey said. “I want to assure everyone that the City will move swiftly to open registration for the spring season as quickly after Feb. 6, the deadline for proposal submissions, as possible.”
Price Fields Sport Complex was previously managed by local company 4F Sports, whose contract expired in December 2024. On Dec. 23, 2024, City staff notified the owner of 4F Sports, John Pannell, that the contract between the City and 4F Sports would expire on Dec. 31, 2024, and that the City would subsequently solicit Request for Qualifications from organizations interested in management of the sports complex. At that time, 4F Sports owner John Pannell was also assured that he was welcome to submit a response to the RFQ to continue oversight of the complex.
On Jan. 8, the City issued the RFQ, and on Jan. 16, City staff learned that Pannell was accepting money from the public for registration for the upcoming season even though the contract between the City and 4F Sports had expired.
“At that time, the move was made to secure the Price Fields property and Mr. Pannell was advised that he was free to leave his equipment on the property until a new contract for management of the fields is determined, or, alternatively, he could coordinate a time with City staff so that he could remove it,” Bailey said. “Despite social media posts that may say otherwise, the City has no intention of keeping 4F Sports from accessing equipment that belongs to 4F Sports, and City staff have agreed to work with Mr. Pannell to remove it from the premises at his convenience.”
The City will receive responses to the RFQ until Feb. 6, Bailey said.
“The selection of the operator of Price Fields will ultimately be a decision of the City Council; however, at this time, it is anticipated a decision will be made as early as the second week of February,” Bailey said. “Registration will proceed as normal for youth baseball and softball, and we expect a great season this year.”