Submitted by City of Westfield During the meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, the Westfield City Council plans to vote on a Public-Private Agreement (PPA) with Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, LLC (GPSE) for the management and operation of Grand Park, starting Jan. 1, 2025. This partnership is in line with the city’s efforts to improve […]
Submitted by City of Westfield
During the meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, the Westfield City Council plans to vote on a Public-Private Agreement (PPA) with Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, LLC (GPSE) for the management and operation of Grand Park, starting Jan. 1, 2025.
This partnership is in line with the city’s efforts to improve community amenities, promote youth sports, and boost local economic development.
Recognized as one of the top sports destinations in the nation, Grand Park will continue to be a central location for youth sports events and community activities that foster Westfield’s cultural, recreational, and economic growth. GPSE will manage the park in accordance with the city’s objectives, ensuring it remains a welcoming and beneficial asset for both residents and visitors.
The agreement guarantees that signature events, including Westfield Rocks the Fourth and the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp, will remain key components of Grand Park’s event calendar. Furthermore, Westfield residents will still have free access to all youth sports events organized by GPSE, thanks to the Bullpen Gives Back initiative.
An Escrow Fund will be set up to ensure the upkeep and enhancement of Grand Park’s facilities, with contributions made annually by both the city and GPSE. This fund will facilitate maintenance, capital improvements, and facility upgrades to keep the park a premier destination for future generations.
The agreement also emphasizes support for local youth sports organizations, with Westfield Youth Sports, Inc. (WYSI) continuing to benefit from discounted rates for Grand Park’s facilities. GPSE is dedicated to upholding its existing commitments to WYSI, ensuring their scheduling requirements are met, and backing the development of youth athletic programs within the community.
“With Westfield’s rapid growth, Westfield Youth Sports is witnessing increased participation from the city’s young athletes,” stated WYSI Board President Chad Schenkel. “This agreement allows the organization to provide access to diamond and field facilities for the youth of our community while helping tackle some of the issues we encounter in securing sports venues.”
Apart from sports, this partnership sets the stage for the future development of the Grand Park District, a mixed-use area intended to attract businesses, especially within the sports technology industry. GPSE will work alongside city officials and developers to help realize this vision, promoting innovation and economic prospects in the area.
“The collaboration with GPSE marks a significant step forward for the City of Westfield,” remarked Mayor Scott Willis. “By partnering with them, we are ensuring that Grand Park remains a leading destination for youth sports and community gatherings while investing in our City’s continued development. This agreement acknowledges that the private sector is particularly well-equipped to manage and operate Grand Park effectively, guaranteeing its long-term stability and prosperity. It will improve our quality of life, attract new economic development opportunities, and provide enduring advantages to our residents for many years ahead. Exciting times lie ahead for Westfield, and we are eager to witness the ongoing success of this exceptional community asset.”
Performance indicators will be established to confirm that Grand Park’s management meets the city’s criteria. These indicators will encompass visitor numbers, out-of-area attendance, and collaborations with local hotels. Routine audits and assessments will verify that GPSE’s operations are in line with the City’s aspirations for the park’s success. Targets include a 15 percent increase in unique visitors to Grand Park within the first 10 years and ensuring that at least 50 percent of tournament visitors come from over 50 miles away.
If the agreement is approved, its initial term will be 10 years, with the possibility of four five-year extensions based on performance outcomes. This long-lasting partnership highlights Westfield’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and sustainable community, enhancing the quality of life for its residents, and strengthening the local economy. The revenue generated from this agreement is anticipated to exceed $184 million.
The meeting will take place at Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn St., starting at 7 p.m. The session can also be viewed via live stream on the City of Westfield YouTube page.
