Last week, the Tate Record published an article that raised important questions about the operation and management of the Senatobia Sports Park. As a city, we value transparency and accountability, and it is essential for us to keep our citizens informed about how we manage their resources and tax dollars. This year, we introduced turf fields at the Sports Park, leading to a significant increase in tournament sizes and visitors to our city. We acknowledge that this growth has brought some challenges, and we appreciate your understanding as we navigate these adjustments while providing accurate information.
We want to express our gratitude to the dedicated team at the Sports Park for their tireless efforts in maintaining and improving our facility. The team's hard work often goes unnoticed, but their commitment ensures that our park remains one of the best in the state.
Public parks, like the Sports Park, are invaluable assets that enhance the quality of life in our community. While they may not directly generate revenue, they offer immense value to residents and visitors alike. It's important to note that municipalities are not allowed to make a profit from such amenities; instead, they are meant to provide enjoyable spaces for the community without burdening taxpayers.
The Sports Park not only incurs maintenance expenses but also generates revenue through concessions and other means. The economic activity driven by tournaments and events at the park benefits local businesses and contributes to the growth of our city. We are monitoring the impact of these activities on sales tax revenue and will provide a comprehensive report at the end of the season.
Our partnerships with organizations like USSSA play a crucial role in managing and hosting competitive tournaments, such as the recent event that drew 95 teams. At the season's end, we will evaluate the effectiveness of these partnerships to ensure they continue to serve our community well.
Additionally, we have contracted with a professional company to handle fertilization and weed control services for the entire sports park, including football and soccer fields, outfields, and other city parks. This strategic approach ensures that we maintain our green spaces using safe and effective methods, as we are not licensed to handle or purchase the necessary chemicals.
The decision to add turf fields at the Sports Park has not only enhanced the facility but also allowed for more efficient maintenance practices. The team carefully considers the impact of these changes, ensuring that all areas, including those in other city parks, receive proper care and attention. Our commitment to providing safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained parks for families to enjoy remains steadfast.
The addition of a food truck at the Sports Park was a strategic decision to ensure efficient service for the large crowd of over 90 teams and to provide more dining options for families spending long hours at the fields. It's important to note that food truck vendors in Senatobia, including those at the Sports Park, contribute to the local economy by paying sales tax in Tate County.
In order to maximize taxpayer money, the lights at the sports park are set on a timer to account for unexpected delays or events running late. This not only helps with operational efficiency but also ensures the safety of our young employees at the end of their shifts.
The Board of Aldermen and city officials are dedicated to addressing community concerns and making improvements. Recent investments in the waste water treatment facility, fire department, and Sports Park demonstrate our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Senatobia. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like PATH have resulted in significant cost savings for the city while improving lighting quality.
The City of Senatobia has also secured tourism grants to attract more visitors to our community, with the Sports Park playing a key role in driving tourism revenue. We welcome feedback and questions from the community as we strive for transparency and accountability in our operations.
Thank you for your continued support of the Senatobia Sports Park. We remain committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and well-managed facility for all visitors.
Greg Graves
Mayor
City of Senatobia
662-562-4474
