City Council to vote on Grand Park Public-Private Agreement
Westfield, IN (December 6, 2024) — The Westfield City Council is set to vote on a Public-Private Agreement (PPA) with Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, LLC (GPSE) to manage and operate Grand Park, beginning January 1, 2025, at their December 9 meeting. This collaboration aligns with the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance community amenities, support youth sports, and stimulate local economic growth.
As one of the premier sports destinations in the country, Grand Park will continue to serve as a hub for youth sports events and community activities that contribute to Westfield’s cultural, recreational, and economic development. GPSE will manage the park in a way that reflects the City’s goals, ensuring it remains an accessible and valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
The agreement ensures that signature events, such as Westfield Rocks the Fourth and the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp, will remain integral to Grand Park’s schedule. Additionally, Westfield residents will continue to enjoy free access to all youth sports events organized by GPSE through the Bullpen Gives Back program.
A dedicated Escrow Fund will be established to maintain and improve Grand Park’s facilities, with the City and GPSE contributing annually. This fund will support maintenance, capital improvements, and facility upgrades, ensuring that the park remains a top destination for generations.
The agreement also prioritizes local youth sports organizations, with Westfield Youth Sports, Inc. (WYSI) continuing to utilize Grand Park’s facilities at discounted rates. GPSE is committed to honoring its existing agreements with WYSI, ensuring that their scheduling needs are met, and supporting the growth of youth athletic programs in the community.
“As Westfield continues to grow rapidly, Westfield Youth Sports is experiencing a surge in participation from the city's young athletes. This agreement helps the organization offer access to diamond and field facilities for the community's youth, while helping to address some of the challenges we face in securing athletic spaces,” stated Chad Schenkel, WYSI Board President.
Beyond sports, the partnership lays the foundation for the future development of the Grand Park District, a mixed-use area designed to attract businesses, particularly in the sports technology sector. GPSE will collaborate with the City and developers to help bring this vision to life, promoting innovation and creating economic opportunities in the region.
“The partnership with GPSE is a transformative step forward for the City of Westfield. By aligning with them, we’re ensuring that Grand Park remains a premier destination for youth sports and community events and investing in our City’s long-term growth,” stated Mayor Scott Willis. “This agreement recognizes that the private sector is uniquely positioned to effectively manage and operate Grand Park, ensuring its long-term stability and success. It will enhance our quality of life, attract new opportunities for economic development, and provide lasting benefits to our residents for years to come. It’s an exciting time for Westfield, and we look forward to seeing the continued success of this incredible community asset.”
Performance metrics will be in place to ensure that Grand Park's management meets the City’s standards. These metrics will include visitor counts, out-of-area attendance, and partnerships with local hotels. Regular audits and reviews will ensure that GPSE’s operations align with the City’s expectations for the park’s success. Metrics include a 15% increase in unique visitors to Grand Park over the first 10 years, and at least 50% of tournament visitors travel from over 50 miles away.
If approved, the agreement's initial term will be 10 years, with the option for four 5-year extensions based on performance. This long-term partnership underscores Westfield’s commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable community, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and strengthening the local economy. The revenue generated from the agreement is expected to be more than $184 million.
The meeting will be held at Westfield City Hall (130 Penn Street, Westfield) and begins at 7 p.m. The meeting can also be viewed via live stream on the City of Westfield YouTube page.
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About the City of Westfield: Westfield is the fastest-growing city in Indiana and the sixth-fastest-growing city in the country. Westfield is home to more than 50,000 residents in Hamilton County, situated north of Indianapolis. The city is known for its 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus, connectivity to US-31 and State Road 32, and nationally recognized public schools.