NeighborhoodNet requested answers to the following questions in a telephone interview with Mr. Michael Meadors, Director of Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department [JCPRD]. NeighborhoodNet then submitted the questions in an email as requested.

Mr. Meadors responded in an email dated October 6, 2006. Mr. Meadors' entire email response is below without editing. Content, including colored highlighting, is as JCPRD provided.

To see the table of Soccer Participants refered to below in question 2 and provided by Mr. Meadors, visit this page: "Johnson County Parks and Recreation Provides Table of Soccer Participants"

The following article gives a complete discussion of the issues associated with this table:
"10/7/2006 - 46,000 Disappearing Soccer Kids, Round 2: Parks & Rec Drops Count By 40%, May Have More Errors"

The following is the content of Mr. Meadors' email:

1. Specifically, we would like to know the basis for the 870 full and part-time jobs claimed for the soccer fields. We would like to see the data and how this was calculated.

This is not included in the District’s educational data or website. You may obtain this updated CSL information from County Commissioner David Lindstrom, as I do not have this information.

2. Question: You mentioned previously "46,000 youth between the ages of 4 and 18" who “enjoy the benefits of soccer in Johnson County.” Where did you get the 46,000 number figure and are you saying that this is the number of youth 4-18 who actually play soccer in Johnson County?

Yes, see the second attachment (Y:\Admin Team\Confidential\Soccer\Statistics\Soccer Participants.xls) included in this email. MICHAEL – WHERE IS THE FIRST ATTACHMENT???? The number also does not include instructional soccer participants or those youth participating in camps and clinics. However, since many league participants play both in spring and fall leagues, this participant count is accurate but may be confusing. The actual number of individuals could, in fact, be reduced by an estimated 40% [Jill: 30%]. The District, therefore, is using the new description of “tens of thousands”. Do not confuse this number with the current 49,000 registered players in Kansas with the KSYSA (Kansas State Youth Soccer Association). This KSYSA number references those playing in sanctioned leagues and tournaments only. Many teams/players are not sanctioned at all or are sanctioned under other governing organizations such as USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association).

3. Much is made of the parking situation and the fact that the Wizards could potentially use parking spaces built solely for the soccer fields. Please comment.

The parking need was identified at a minimum of 75 parking spaces per field, which would be 1,800 parking spaces. However, because some fields will be striped to allow them to be utilized as two smaller fields (for younger players), additional parking is needed. Therefore, parking is now set at approximately 2,200 spaces. If the Wizards desire overflow parking use of any District parking, the District would require a written agreement and revenue sharing. A reciprocal agreement for use by the District would be in place should we need overflow use of the Wizards parking.

4. Earlier statements made by Parks and Rec stated that there would be access to the fields 80% of the time (for Johnson County) youth soccer with only 20% of the time unavailable. Please comment—what is meant by the 20% figure?

Scheduled use at the soccer park is estimated at 300+days a year. Beginning as early as February and weather permitting, practices could begin. League play, tournaments, and camps/clinics would run March through mid-November. Along with local teams, it is projected that youth outside of Johnson County would participate in up to two national and eight regional tournaments. Those 10 events (averaging three days each) would total 30 days, or 10% of the 300+ days a year projected use. Using this information, we determined a more-conservative estimate to be 20%.

5. Will the Wizards' use any of the soccer fields?

The Wizards will build their own natural grass practice field nearby, if they are successful in their negotiations with the City of Overland Park. However, if the Wizards would desire use of one of the District’s artificial turf fields in the event of inclement weather, the District would consider renting a field to the Wizards.

6. There have been statements that the operating budget might not be enough to cover the costs of running and maintaining the 24 fields. Please comment.

That statement has never been made by the District. In fact, as has been the required policy since 1983 with the development of an Enterprise Budget, all District recreational facilities and programs must be fee supported. Likewise, the $2 million operating budget for these fields would come from user fees. User fees would also cover future capital and equipment expenditures, as well as replacement costs.

7. These soccer fields are very expensive and are located on prime real estate. Please comment on the location of these fields.

The preferred site for the Soccer Park consists of approximately 140 acres at 167th Street and 69 Highway. The site not only is easily accessible and capable of meeting the growing needs of Johnson County’s youth soccer players, it also is ideally situated to make a positive impact on the local economy through the hosting of regional and national tournaments.

8. Powell Observatory has made the statement, at the Sept 25 Public hearing, that light pollution from these 24 fields will diminish and jeopardize the operation of the Observatory. According to the testimony, this observatory pulls in tourists from a 5-state area and is the only one of its kind in a multi-state area. Please comment.

It is not anticipated lighting will extend past 11:00 p.m. Technology of sports field lighting has increased dramatically in the past 5-10 years. We expect the light pollution from this facility to be far less than that from many other sports complexes (softball, football) already in the area. The City of Overland Park will be examining lighting, and as we understand it, the city will monitor and limit overspill of the lighted soccer fields use.

9. Are there other features that will be built? We know that there will be concession stands, bleachers for viewers? Please comment.

In addition to concession stands, park shelters, playgrounds and a community center are planned for the site. The community center will include offices for Soccer Park staff, meeting rooms, and space for a full range of programs and educational classes offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Bleachers are not planned at the soccer fields. The youth soccer community is accustomed to bringing their own folding chairs and blankets to games.

10. When can the public view an actual site plan for the soccer fields? (Note: any plans need to be posted immediately on the web).

A preliminary site plan and artist’s rendering are available for viewing on the District’s website, www.jcprd.com.

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Attachment #2

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