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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-20; Parks & Recreation Commission; 1106-2; Receipt of Proposal Letter Sports ComplexPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL AB# 11106-2 MTG. DATE: | 11/20/06 STAFF: PRICE RECEIPT OF PROPOSAL LETTER INFO x ACTION RECOMMENDED ACTION : Receive a proposal letter from Carlsbad resident Angelo Januzzi. ITEM EXPLANATION : Carlsbad Resident Angelo Januzzi submitted a letter to Mayor Bud Lewis regarding a proposal for the City to consider a Sports Complex in conjunction with an organization called Big League Dreams on the Cannon Road property. After review, Mayor Lewis suggested that a copy of the letter and proposal be forwarded to the Park and Recreation Commission. g W V) oo EXHIBITS: 1. Letters, proposal, and other information provided by Angelo Januzzi. 10 EXHIBIT 1 Chairperson 10/05/2006 Parks & Recreation Committee Dear Chairperson/Parks & Recreation Committee: This is a brief letter regarding an idea I submitted recently to all members of the city council. After review, Mayor Lewis suggested that I forward a copy of my letter and proposal to the Parks and Recreation committee. He said that any type of large development such as this would first need to be reviewed by your committee. Mr. Lewis also said that, if approved, the final determination would be decided by a vote from the citizens of Carlsbad. I have enclosed the same copies of material, which the council members received. This has always been an idea that I have felt would be an asset to our community. With the recent events regarding the Cannon Road property, I thought the timing and location might possibly be a good fit for a sports complex of this type for that area if the ballot initiative does not produce a clear decision. Thank you for considering this idea. Sincerely, ^ Q~^rr~ Angelo Januzzi "v 3523 Hastings Drive Carlsbad, CA 92010 (760) 729-6535 Chairperson \\ Mayor Bud Lewis City Hall 8-28-06 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, Ca. 92008 Dear Mayor Lewis, This is a letter from a long time Carlsbad resident, former Carlsbad Youth Baseball treasurer/board member and concerned citizen regarding the Cannon Road development issue. Recently, it seems newspaper articles appear daily regarding the future use of this property. As a nearly 20 year resident proud to call Carlsbad home, I would like to present an alternative option for the acreage designated as open space and/or recreational. This may be an idea which has been considered in the past or maybe it has never been proposed. Because of the Growth Management Plan, a balanced development of business, industrial, housing and parks/recreation have made Carlsbad a desirable place to live and work. I have included copies for each council member of a unique, proven sports complex which, I believe, would further enhance the quality of life to our city. Carlsbad is in the heart of an area with a very active sports environment. Along with the major sports of baseball, football and basketball having active participants, the city can honestly call itself the golf capital of the country. Other sports such as girls softball, soccer, in-line-hockey and lacrosse are also very popular in the county. Many of the top skateboarding professionals call Carlsbad and Norm County home. Not to mention an Olympic Gold Medalist hi snowboarding. World class triathletes, runners and bicyclists are also plentiful hi Carlsbad and surrounding cities. The active, sports lifestyle is within and around Carlsbad. When looking over the material you will see that there is also an economic benefit as well in real dollars and in exposure to visitors and business persons to showcase and promote our city. From what I have read, it appears one of the ballot measures would require the city to spend millions of dollars without any or little revenue in return. With the proximity to the beach, Legoland, hotels, shopping, restaurants, new golf course and all that North County has to offer, a major sports complex such as this would seem to be an economic benefit and fit in with the Carlsbad active, sports image. Being a parent who has taken youth baseball teams to tournaments in Cathedral City, Riverside and Chino Hills, I have seen firsthand the thousands of families who participate, have fun and spend their disposable income at these unique sports venues. My perception, as well as that of many other Carlsbad residents I have spoken with, is that this sports experience would be enhanced even greater in a coastal temperature setting such as Carlsbad. As recently as August 22nd, an article in the Business section of the North County Times indicated county tourism officials want to gain hotel market la. share from Riverside, Anaheim and even Florida. These areas attract a large out of state participation in sporting tournaments and events. I have personally talked briefly with Mr. Webber as a Carlsbad citizen only, not as any representative of the city. He would welcome a city official to inquire with any development questions. All of the material I have sent was obtained from the Big League Dreams website, www.bigleaguedreams.com. As mentioned in the material, local Carlsbad school and recreational teams would also benefit with quality field availability, which has been an issue in recent years. I realize this proposal is not any part of the November ballot options. However, I felt compelled to inform the council of this sports complex as a possible option if another alternative to the ballot proposals exists in the near future. Please consider this type of sports complex for the Cannon Road property or reconsider if this option has been previously proposed. Thank you for your time and consideration of this information. Sincerely, ( ...>' r—<M^<^S \/f~*'—^^"VNVA '/ $Jr^Angelo Januzzi <s " 3523 Hastings Drive Carlsbad, Ca 92010 (760) 729-6535 Home (760) 201-9087 Cell Officials: Identity of N. County key to tourism • Leaders talk about need to increase variety of eating, overnight options PATRICK WRIGHT STAFF WRITER North County's tourism in- dustry is at a crossroads, ac- cording to tourism officials. On the one hand, North County gets millions of tourism dollars from catering to San Diego visitors. On the other, increasing those dol- lars requires creating North County as an attractive desti- nation apart from its neigh- bors in south San Diego County. Carol Mattson, president and chief executive officer of the San Diego North Conven- tion and Visitors Bureau, said the key to tourism growth is creating North County as a separate "brand" from San Diego County. She said the area is poised to take on some of the bigger communi- ties and tourism names in the country. "Ideally, I want to take market share from Riverside, Anaheim and even Florida," .Mattson said. Mattson spoke at a discus- sion of tourism sponsored by the San Diego North Eco- nomic Development Council on Monday afternoon. She and other tourism officials talked about the need to boost North County's $1.7 bil- lion industry by increasing the variety of entertainment, eating and overnight options available to potential cus- tomers.. A visitors bureau release said North County's hotel tax generated $59.3 million in 2005, an § percent increase from 2004, and more than $12 million from April to June this year. The number of local hotel rooms continues to grow. North County has almost 19,000 rooms, with plans to add more than 1,000 by 2007, according to a hotel industry official. But the news isn't all good. Hotel occupancy rates in the region are down almost 3 per- cent from 2005 to 2006, ac- cording to Smith Travel Re- search, an independent Ten- nessee-based research com- pany that tracks the U.S. lodging industry. Mattson Said filling hotel rooms is a main focus of her agency because those tourists generate more mon- ey than day visitors. "I want to bring in overnight visi- tors," she said. North County can offer visitors a different experi- ence than in central San Diego. "When you stay here, you aren?t dealing with the con- gestion," Mattson said. •', "If you bring your family here, you get to stay in a more eclectic city, like Carls- bad." Gary Knight, president and chief executive officer for the council, said the .area's combination of golf- ing, casino gaming, wine tasting and other venues makes it attractive for re- peat visitors. "We've been fortunate to have a broad spectrum of in- dustries," he said. In addition to the in- crease in hotel rooms, little things such as the beautifi- cation projects in Vista are important for making visi- tors want to return, Knight said. Contact staff writer Patrick Wright at (760) 739-6675 or pwri0it@nctimes.com. To comment, go to nctirnes.com. Big League Dreams Page 1 of 2 New Park Development < Menu | 1 2 New Park Development Big League Dreams works with cities, counties and special districts to help them bring world-class recreational facilities to their communities at little or no cost to the taxpayer. Our parks have become so popular that we are bringing parks to cities all over California and the West. Those existing parks are listed here. Big League Dreams is the premier developer and operator of amateur recreational sports facilities in the country. Our parks have been recognized as the "Best New Sports Complex in America" by the Sportsplex Owners and Developers Association, the "Best Public/Private Partnership" by the League of California Cities and the "Business of the Year" in Cathedral City, CA. We have also won other awards including the Desert Beautification Award in Coachella Valley and the Business Beautification Award from the Jurupa Valley Chamber of Commerce in Mira Loma, CA. Our parks bring many benefits to the regions in which they operate. Big League Dreams brings a top-quality playing experience for your local families, through our world-class facilities in a variety of sports. A typical Big League Dreams facility offers baseball, softball, soccer, indoor soccer, in-line hockey, basketball, and sand volleyball for all ages. We are best known for our baseball/Softball fields that are designed and built as replicas of famous, historic major league stadiums. Youth and adults can play on a replica of Chicago's Wrigley Field or New York's Yankee Stadium (and others) or even hit one off the "Green Monster" in a replica of Boston's Fenway Park! more> For more information contact: http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newparkdevO 1 .htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 2 of 2 Don Webber Vice President Development (909) 287-1700 Ext. 206 http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newparkdevO 1 .htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 1 of 2 New Park Development < Menu | 1 2 New Park Development Huge economic benefits are created through our multi-use facilities being booked almost every day of the year, more than a year in advance for league play and special events. Examples of past special events include: national tournaments, local tournaments, concerts (Wynonna Judd, Garth Brooks, etc.), other sporting events (Pepsi Ail- Star Softball Game, WBF World Championship Boxing, etc.), Easter Sunrise services, July 4th celebrations, dog shows, art shows, and many other local and regional events. In all, our park in Cathedral City hosted more than 400,000 visitors last year (35,000 from out-of-town) bringing an estimated $13 million economic benefit to the city. Our parks host many group/corporate events each year. Some examples of companies that have held their special events with Big League Dreams include; Nike, Toyota, Mutual of New York, Sony, Anheuser Busch, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Hartford Insurance, Delta Faucets, Mutual of Omaha, Outback Steakhouse and many others. A Big League Dreams park also creates large-market visibility. The past three years the Pepsi All-Star Softball Game has been televised by NBC to more than 8.5 million viewers. As well, the WBF World Championship boxing match was broadcast live around the U.S. and 17 Latin American countries. These are just a few of the benefits that could be realized by your community. Since our parks are built through a public and private partnership, typically the city would incur no maintenance or operations costs. Additionally, the city could participate in the revenue generated by Big League Dreams. In all, this partnership truly creates a win-win environment for the city and the community. n http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newparkdev02.htm 10/4/2006 BLD - Frequently Asked Questions Page 2 of 7 1) What is "different" about a Big League Dreams Park? Our parks are designed to make athletes of all ages and skill levels feel like they are "playing in the big leagues". From our professionally built and maintained fields to the real dugouts with cooling mister systems, to the home run leader board, players get a taste of world class. Our radio broadcasts, "players of the night", newsletter and public address announcements of achievements help with the feeling of being part of something special at Big League Dreams. < Back 2) Would you run our youth leagues? No, Big League Dreams will simply provide immaculately groomed, world-class fields on which you can play. We will work with your league to schedule your field times. Otherwise, your league will operate the same way you have been. < Back 3) How much more can our youth leagues expect to pay in your park? This is another area of operations that is negotiated with our city partners. Usually, your leagues should pay no more to play at Big League Dreams than you are currently paying in your city. At many Big League Dreams Parks we charge no field rental to youth teams. < Back 4) Do you charge to enter your park? This operations decision is usually negotiated with our city partners. Big League Dreams typically charges a nominal token fee at the gate, beginning at 5:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends. This charge is for adults and children (under 13) who are playing in a game. All other children are free. Every person paying a token fee receives a token worth $1.00 off any item they choose at our concession areas. Since most people spend the token on a soda, the net cost for youth is usually zero. < Back 5) Can we come and practice at BLD? Yes, every Big League Dreams Park has open gates from the time our maintenance crews arrive at 6:30 in the morning until the last person leaves at night. We encourage people to come to the park and walk in to play any time. At around 5:00 PM on weekdays we start charging a token fee. Prior to that however it is free to enter the park. Anyone can come in to play basketball, Frisbee, baseball, or whatever. We simply ask that once the ball fields are groomed and lined for the day's games (usually around 4:00 PM), that people not play on them. < Back \& http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/faq .htm 10/4/2006 BLD - Frequently Asked Questions Page 3 of 7 6) How can our youth league generate our revenue if you are running the concessions? Big League Dreams understands that many youth leagues rely on running a volunteer concessions operation to generate revenue. Since we will be providing all concessions at the park our people can work with your league to create a replacement source of revenue. In some cases we assist the youth leagues with running their own tournaments, the proceeds of which go directly to the youth league. In addition, we have helped leagues run clinics, with "big-name" athletes in attendance - again with the proceeds going to the youth leagues. Big League Dreams is a family park and we will make every effort to make your youth league experience a positive one. < Back 7) Do you serve beer in your concession area? Yes, Big League Dreams serves beer just like any pizza restaurant. We have a full time staff that monitors the responsible sale of alcohol and we take pride in our family atmosphere. Big League Dreams control over alcohol sales is actually stronger than at professional stadiums, pizza restaurants, bowling alleys, golf courses, etc. < Back 8) Doesn't your park generate more noise? A Big League Dreams facility will not generate any more noise than a typical city sports park. In fact, tests have proven that due to the nature of our "replica fields", the noise is contained within the park even more than a typical city sports park. < Back 9) Doesn't your park create traffic and parking problems? No. Again, our parks do not generate any more traffic than a typical city sports park. Due to the fact that families are arriving and leaving our parks at regular intervals to play their games, our parks have less traffic impact than your neighborhood school. When there are special events planned, special use permits are received with the permission of the city and traffic concerns must be alleviated. Also, during the design process Big League Dreams ensures that adequate parking spaces are incorporated. < Back 10) Which "replica stadiums" are built? There are several "replicas" that we have found to be the most popular (Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and others) but each city has input as to which designs are used in their park. < Back 11) What type of facilities do you build? Every community has different needs. Big League Dreams work with the city and local sports leaders to determine the needs of that community. Then the facilities will be designed to meet the specific needs of that community. The park may include more or less fields for soccer, baseball, http ://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkde v/faq .htm 10/4/2006 BLD - Frequently Asked Questions Page 4 of 7 softball, basketball, indoor soccer, roller hockey, volleyball or other sports. < Back 12) How safe are your parks? Since our parks are staffed full time and we take great pride in maintaining our family atmosphere our parks are very safe. Our parks are "controlled access" and we do not have people loitering about looking for trouble. You will find it very common for parents to come with their children and feel perfectly at ease letting the kids go play in the tot lot area unsupervised. Also, the park patrons take pride in their "home field" and assist in the safe environment. < Back 13) Who uses your parks? Big League Dreams Parks are designed, built and operated to meet the sports and recreation needs of the local youth and adult sports leagues. Kids and adults may participate in baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, inline hockey, indoor soccer, volleyball, flag football, and other sports. Our parks are not for the elite but for all families. < Back 14) Can I bring my cooler into your park? No, our food and beverage policy, the fact that we have a licensed restaurant on site, as well as health codes require that no outside food or beverage be brought into a Big League Dreams Park. < Back 15) Have your parks won any awards? Yes, we are proud to say that we have been named "2003 Best Sports Complex" by the USSSA and "The Best New Sports Complex in America" by the Sports Operators and Developers Association, We were awarded the "Best Public-Private Partnership" for the League of California Cities, We won the "Business of the Year" for 1999 in Cathedral City, CA, as well as the "Desert Beautification Award" in Cathedral City, CA. We also were named the "Best New Business" and received a "Business Beautification Award" by the Jurupa Valley Chamber of Commerce in Mira Loma, CA. < Back 16) What is a "public-private partnership"? A partnership between a government agency and a private company that allows them both to accomplish things that cannot be accomplished separately, with the community as the ultimate beneficiaries. < Back http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/faq.htm 10/4/2006 BLD - Frequently Asked Questions Page 5 of 7 17) How much does it cost to build your parks? Each park is different depending on the type and size of the facilities built. Generally, our parks will cost slightly more initially to build than a typical city sports park. However, since Big League Dreams takes on all of the maintenance and operations costs and shares park revenue with the city, the return on investment is usually a few short years after which the city is actually returning a profit. < Back 18) How are your parks financed? Again, each park is different. The city will pay for the initial capital costs just as they were planning without Big League Dreams. This may include money already set aside, grant funds, bond issues, or other sources. However, with Big League Dreams the city is able to expand the financing options due to the fact that the city will have no maintenance costs and will also realize park revenue. < Back 19) How much can you save a city in maintenance and operations costs? For a 20-acre sports park most cities will estimate at least $250,000 to $400,000 per year in savings. < Back 20) How much revenue can a city expect to generate? This number varies greatly from market to market and also depends on what the city is trying to accomplish with the facility. Some cities simply need a small facility to meet the needs of their local sports groups while others want a larger facility that would draw tournaments and group events. A city can expect between $25,000 and $200,000 annual revenue from a park when it is fully operational. < Back 21) Does your park generate any positive economic benefits for the surrounding community? Yes, for those communities that want to draw sports tournaments and group events. The City of Cathedral City (site of the first Big League Dreams Park) estimates a benefit to the community of $13 million annually. < Back 22) How does your operating agreement with the cities work? We act as partners with the cities and we enter into a long-term agreement with them to completely http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/faq.htm 10/4/2006 BLD - Frequently Asked Questions Page 6 of 7 maintain and operate their facility at our cost. < Back 23) What is Big League Dreams investment in the park? Big League Dreams accepts a financial risk when opening a new park. We work with your city for many months before each park opens. We will assist the city in design, architect, engineer and contractor selection. We will also assist the city during the construction process. In addition, we will begin hiring and training park staff many months before park opening. We expect the park to operate at a loss for the first two to three years. Big League Dreams covers all losses as part of our operations agreement with the city. Big League Dreams and the city also enter into a licensing agreement that assures the city that no other Big League Dreams park will be built in the area. <Back 24) Are there any other privately operated sports parks? Yes, there are dozens of privately operated sports complexes in the United States. Most of them charge a gate fee or parking. Most of them are little more than a typical city park that is privately operated. There are no other facilities in the country with the quality and diversity of sports as Big League Dreams. < Back 25) Do you already have the construction plans for your parks? Yes, we have built several parks so we have designs for the replica fields as well as our concession buildings, etc. However, since each site and each community is different the plans need to be adapted to be site-specific. The fact that we bring some of the designs to the project saves that city considerably on other engineering and design fees. < Back 26) How do your parks affect the restaurants in the area? Positively. Since our parks are so popular, the cities in which we are located find that they have more local tournaments in town. Therefore, the participants stay in town for dinners, lunches, and etc. rather than going out of town. In addition, with the tournaments that come to Big League Dreams and the other group events, many travelers will come to town to stay in hotels, shop, eat out, rent cars, etc. This influx of people is a positive impact to the entire business community. < Back 27) Do your parks generate any local jobs? Yes, each park will employ approximately 60 - 75 people depending upon the facilities and size of the project. About 60% of these jobs are full time. Examples of the type of employees are; General Manager, Food Service Manager, Group Events Director, Sports Coordinators, Maintenance, Food Service Staff, etc. http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/faq.htm 10/4/2006 BLD - Frequently Asked Questions Page 7 of7 < Back 28) In what way does Big League Dreams benefit a community? There are many positive benefits that are realized by a community with a Big League Dreams Sports Park including: City Park Development on Limited Resources Zero City Maintenance Costs Positive City Revenue Significant City Financial Gain World-Class, Multi-Sport Facilities Competitive League and Tournament Fees Increased Tourism Enhanced Community Pride Safe and Secure Park National Recognition Professional Park Operation and Customer Service < Back 28) Who can I contact regarding new park development? Don Webber (909) 287-1700 Ext. 206 http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/faq.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 1 of 1 New Park Development Benefits: <Menu • Brings additional recreational sports facilities to your community • Local youth and adults served first • No city maintenance or operations costs • No taxpayer expense • Revenue generated for the city • Positive local economic impact • Large market visibility http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/benefits.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 1 of3 New Park Development | Emtiii Facilities < Menu Gilbert, AZ (in design stage) Oxnard, CA (in design stage) Cathedral City, CA (existing) Description: 5 Baseball/softball fields (3 replica stadiums), covered multi-sport pavilion, Stadium Club restaurant, concession building and patio, sports office, batting cages, instructional area, tot lot, 4 beach volleyball courts, and 3-acre passive park on 25 acres. Mira Loma, CA (Riverside County, existing) Description: 5 Baseball/softball fields (3 replica stadiums), 3 full-sized soccer fields, covered multi- sport pavilion, Stadium Club restaurant, concession building and patio, sports office, batting cages, instructional area, tot lot, and 4 beach volleyball courts on 30 acres. Chino Hills, CA (existing) Description: 6 Baseball/softball fields (all replica stadiums), covered multi-sport pavilion, 2 Stadium Club restaurants, sports office, BID corporate office, batting cages, instructional area, 2 tot lots, a skateboard park, and 4 beach volleyball courts on 35 acres. Phase 2 will include 16 full-sized soccer fields, another Stadium Club restaurant, and possibly tennis courts on 105 acres. http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newpark exis.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 2 of 3 Redding, CA (existing) Description: 5 Baseball/Softball fields (3 replica stadiums), covered multi-sport pavilion, Stadium Club restaurant, concession building and patio, sports office, batting cages, instructional area, 2 tot lots, and 4 beach volleyball courts on 30 acres. Phase 2 will include 5 full-sized soccer fields and a Stadium Club restaurant. League City, TX (existing) Description: Six baseball/Softball fields (all replica stadiums); multi-sport covered pavilion; a skate park; two Stadium Club family style, sports-themed concession buildings; administration office; batting cages and instructional area; two children's playgrounds; four sand volleyball courts; and maintenance facilities on 32 acres. Manteca, CA (Under construction) Description: Six baseball/softball fields (three replica stadiums); multi-sport covered pavilion; Stadium Club family style, sports-themed concession building; additional food and beverage concession building and patio; administration office; batting cages and instructional area; two children's playgrounds; four sand volleyball courts; and maintenance facilities on 30 acres. West Covina, CA (in design stage) Description: Six baseball/softball fields (all replica stadiums); multi-sport covered pavilion; two Stadium Club family style, sports-themed concession buildings; administration office; batting cages and instructional area; two children's playgrounds; four sand volleyball courts; and maintenance facilities on 35 acres. Mansfield, TX (in design stage; construction scheduled Fall 2005) Eight baseball/softball fields (all replica stadiums); two multi-sport covered pavilions; two Stadium Club family style, sports-themed concession buildings; an additional food and beverage concession building and patio; batting cages and instructional area; corporate events area, two children's playground; http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newpark exis.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 3 of 3 four sand volleyball courts; administration office and maintenance facilities on 40 acres. < Menu http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newpark exis.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 1 of 6 New Park Development | (tutu < Men i Quotes What Are People Saying About Big League Dreams? " / want to thank you for bringing such an incredible park to League City (Texas). Big League Dreams has made it possible to provide a new quality youth baseball opportunity and a very high quality facility! We pack the park full of very happy kids, excited and amazed parents and many local teams from the League City and Houston areas as well as teams from Austin to Louisiana. Our association has grown from 20 teams to 120 teams in a two month period." -Ron Kerr President, Bay Area Baseball League City, TX. www.bayareaball.org " It is my pleasure to say that our Big League Dreams Sports Park has truly been a hit! Practically each weekend, visiting teams play in tournaments that have enhanced our economic development by bringing thousands of tourists to town each year. Big League Dreams Sports Park has brought countless television events (Pepsi All-Star Softball Game televised on NBC), corporate events and even a concert featuring Wynonna Judd. Bringing Big http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newpark quotes.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 2 of 6 League Dreams to Cathedral City is one of the best things that the city has ever done. " Donald Bradley City Manager Cathedral City, CA. " Our league's experience with Big League Dreams has been very positive. The park is clean, well run, and much safer than the unsecured county park on which we used to play. The fields (which are maintained by Big League Dreams) are much better than any city/county field we have ever played on. The number of teams playing PONY Baseball in our district has grown from six to more than fifty since the opening of Big League Dreams Jurupa. PONY Baseball is thriving at Big League Dreams. " Bob Burke President, Jurupa PONY Baseball " We held our Big League Dreams Redding Grand Opening in July 2004 and could not be happier with the park. It has exceeded our expectations and is truly a gathering place for families in Redding. We firmly believe that this public-private partnership has been one of the best decisions we have made. Over 200,000 people have gone through the gates in the first six months since opening. It is with great pleasure that I give my highest recommendation to Big League Dreams. " Michael Warren City Manager Redding, CA. " The Palm Springs Classic has quickly become one of the premier NCAA collegiate fastpitch tournaments in the country and a huge part of that excitement comes from playing at the Big League Dreams complex in Cathedral City. The elite teams in the country have loved the facility and look forward each year to the tremendous atmosphere that is created in a complex like Big League Dreams. The three-time http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newpark quotes.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 3 of 6 Gold Medal USA OLYMPIC Team loved playing in the venue and is making plans to return on an annual basis. " Kirk Walker Head Softball Coach, Oregon State University " As a first time visitor to one of your parks, I can only say, Wow! What a great place! My son and I thoroughly enjoyed our recent experience at an ASSSU Baseball Tournament held at your Redding, CA, facility" Lee Flippin Director of Medicinal Chemistry, FibroGen, Inc. "Big League Dreams Sports Park has done more to increase tourism and recognition for Cathedral City than anything ever. We are proud to have them as partners". George Stettler Mayor, Cathedral City "... Truly exciting! Great benefits for the city and youth. We are making history for League City." Mayor League City, Texas "It has been a good investment for the city, providing recreational opportunities for residents..." Julie Baumer Interim City Manager Cathedral City - The Desert Sun, 4/19/99 "Big League Dreams has been an absolutely great 2P http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newpark quotes.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 4 of 6 addition to our city, providing first-class recreation to our kids and adults." Greg Pettis Mayor Pro Tern Cathedral City "It's a facility that serves the need in our community for additional ball fields and other recreational amenities. But first and foremost, it will help us bridge the funding gap that will be created in Chino Hills as development dollars go away." Doug La Belle City Manager Chino Hills, CA The Los Angeles Times, 8/18/00 "...ultimately my goal (for bringing in Big League Dreams) was to provide the area with a top quality recreational facility." Supervisor John Tavaglione Riverside County The Los Angeles Times, 8/18/00 "It is in fact being maintained and managed at a higher level than what we could do from a government side, yet our taxpayers do not have the burden of paying those costs." Tony Barton Parks and Recreation Director Cathedral City Letter to The Manteca Bulletin "A Big League Dreams Park with its controls is much preferred for a city than an open park." Stan Henry Cathedral City Chief of Police 31 http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newpark quotes.htm 10/4/2006 Big League Dreams Page 5 of 6 "By far, Big League Dreams is the most significant project Cathedral City has built in the past five years." former Mayor Gary Amy Cathedral City The Tri Valley Herald, 10/8/00 "Every time we see a Cathedral City Councilman, we thank them for providing us with this park. I hope you and your kids get the same great experience that we do." Mark Cresse Director Cathedral City Youth Baseball "We can hardly wait. We are talking up the Big League Dreams Park. Our prospective buyers are excited about having such a wonderful facility in their neighborhood. We even have a waiting list for people who want to purchase a home that overlooks the park." Terri MacMillan Sales Representative Centex Homes Chino Hills, CA "Big League Dreams would give us a higher-class facility to play in. A secure atmosphere would be comforting to the residents." Jim Christensen President Manteca Youth Softball Association The Tri Valley Herald, 1/23/01 "It will actually be less expensive for us to play at Big League Dreams. Playing at Big League Dreams will save our league approximately $1, 200 per year. " Jim Christensen President Manteca Youth Softball Association http://www.bigleaguedreams.com/newparkdev/newpark quotes.htm 10/4/2006