Board not interested in smoke ban in parks yet; MPRD seeks to increase athletic facility fee

Mahomet Parks and Recreation Director Dan Waldinger presented the possibility of “Smoke Free Parks” and an increase in athletic field reservation fees to Village Board members Tuesday night.

The Champaign Public Health Department asked officials in Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, Rantoul, Savoy and the Champaign County Forest Preserve to consider the concept of smoke free parks.

Under the State of Illinois Smoke Free Act smoking is forbidden in public places and within 15-feet of entrances to buildings. Voluntary city ordinances would also ban smoking in outdoor public property, such as playgrounds, parks and athletic fields.

While the Mahomet Parks and Recreation seeks to improve the quality of life for Mahomet residents, Waldinger said an ordinance would be almost impossible to enforce, and would distract law enforcement officials from other responsibilities.

MPRD already enforces no smoking or alcohol policies in and around youth activities. Waldinger said he has only received a handful of smoking complaints during his seven years at MPRD, and when asked, residents put out their cigarette.

The Champaign and Urbana City Councils already dismissed the “Smoke Free Parks” initiative. Urbana adopted additional signage near playgrounds and athletic fields. Village Board Member Vicki Cook encouraged additonal signage in the Mahomet area.

Waldinger also submitted a proposal to change the athletic field reservation fee structure.

When Waldinger became the Director, MPRD established a field reservation policy, which allowed residents to rent facilities for one-time or per season use. Currently, fees are only required for games use, and not practice, scrimmage or tryouts.

Waldinger said MPRD absorbs approximately $24,000 in field maintenance each year. An additional $50,000 is spent on staff wages, utilities and rental equipment to make sure the athletic fields receive the required upkeep.

MPRD only collected $3,300 in athletic field and concession rentals last year.

The proposed fee schedule would not only streamline the format for all users, it would also alleviate some of the burden carried by the Park District.  The changes also include “game use” definitions, as clubs have bypassed fees by referring to their event as a “scrimmage” or “friendly.”

The Mahomet Diamond Dogs and the Mahomet Seymour Soccer Club have rented field use for many years. Waldinger wants to continue to make the new fees accessible for these groups while also giving the Champaign County Lacrosse Program and Mahomet-Seymour Youth Football adequate field usage.

The proposed plan will not affect public use of parks and athletic fields. It will just give clubs the right to reserve facilities for use.

Waldinger also presented comparisons of Champaign, Urbana, Monticello, St. Joseph and Savoy facilities, noting that even under the proposed increase, Mahomet fees will be significantly less. He also discussed the possibility of encouraging local youth organizations to host clinics to benefit MPRD in exchange for reduced rental fees.

MPRD will come back to the board with a proposed five-year increase plan to align fees with those similar to surrounding communities.