Group wants Rocket Ball Field for $1
Young Men United made a proposal to the city of McMinnville requesting the use and care of Rocket Ball Field. This is the second time for the proposal because the first request was denied.
The group?s proposal includes a 50-year agreement between the city and YMU for $1. In return, the organization will:
? Use the property for the betterment of the community for a period of 50 years.
? Maintain the building, playground, baseball field, basketball court and driveway. The organization reports it currently has the equipment required to perform any maintenance necessary.
? Make the club house a facility that can be used in winter as well as summer months.
? Use the area to have fundraisers, events, meetings, ball games, training camps and other sporting activities.
? Members of the organization will shoulder the workload.
? Furnish building supplies to enhance the structure.
? Perform maintenance on any major problems such as electricity, waterlines, etc.
? Set goals for installing lights on the ball field in order to extend more quality service and time for the community.
? Pay any insurance necessary.
Wayne Wolford, chairman and spokesmen for YMU, made the second request to elected officials recently. Back in 1999, when the group first asked for the agreement, they were denied due to the fact that the organization did not have a written charter and was relatively new.
Today, the group is chartered, is 501(c)(3) tax exempt, and will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. The group is funded by a county contribution, donations, fundraisers and this is the second year they have asked for a city contribution.
According to Wolford, the area is historic and was turned over to the McMinnville Rockets in 1956. The team played semi-pro ball up to 1988. After that, the team separated and the organization unofficially took over care of the field. YMU has held its meetings in the building since 2000.
?The area is historic,? said Wolford. ?We are hoping that the city opens its heart and accepts this proposal for the cost of $1 with open arms.?
The request was turned over to the Parks and Recreation Department and legal counsel for their consideration.