Boards & Commissions Supporting Documents - 02/24/2009 - Board of Trustees (2)AGENDA ITEM
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting
of
February 24, 2009
SUBJECT: Polo Operations Update - Sports Core
FROM: Trey VanDyke, Sports Core Director
BUDGET SOURCE/BUDGET IMPACT: Program 815 - Polo
RECOMMENDED MOTION: N/A
Background/History:
On February 5, 2009, the Sports Core's current polo contractor, Don Healy, informed us that he
is unable to continue negotiations to provide polo operations this season. Mr. Healy cited a lack
of interest from his players to play here and a reduction of participation in Florida currently.
After receiving this news, I contacted Mr. James Zenni, the captain of one of the teams that
frequently played in Oak Brook. He wrote me saying, "I think for now you should tell the
Village that it's a non starter. There is too much of an investment for teams to play on a
substandard unsafe field and it's not in a condition to rent, nor is it available enough to make it a
reliable venue."
I was surprised by this response in regards to the field. I have never heard that our polo field
(Sports Core Field #2) was sub - standard or un -safe. During our negotiations, Don Healy asked
that the Sports Core consider top dressing the field with sand to improve footing for the horses. It
was never suggested that the current conditions were un -safe. I would agree with Mr. Zenni's
comments about the availability of the field. Clearly, a Sunday only operation has its limitations
I also contacted our former polo director, Karen Martino, to see if she knew of any polo
operators that may be interested. She informed me that local polo clubs are struggling for
members and have their own fields to play matches. She did not believe any of them would
travel to Oak Brook for matches. It is my opinion that the only way the Sports Core could have
polo played here would be for us to pay the teams to play. Pursuant to the budget discussions,
this option does not appear viable.
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Where do we go from here? I have contacted Butler National Golf Club. They are very interested
in renegotiating and expanding their current agreement for rental of Field #2. They would like to
construct target greens on the field to enhance there practice area. They understand the Village
would like to continue hosting the Highland Games and the Taste of Oak Brook on Field #2 and
this construction would not prohibit the aforementioned festivals from continuing. The
construction would, however, eliminate polo and soccer from the Field #2 area. Butler National
Golf Club acknowledges that they would certainly pay more for their rent and that they may be
asked to contribute to a fund to enhance the Sports Core's soccer operations elsewhere. They
would also take over maintenance of the field. It was acknowledged that the Field #2 complex is
larger than what is required for a practice facility. They agreed that the Village may have future
uses for parts of this area. They agreed that a long range plan may involve them moving their
practice area operations. If given the opportunity, they would like to enter into an initial five year
agreement.
Staff will continue to explore field usage options and welcomes input from the board and the
community.
Recommendation:
N/A
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