Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey summarized this information about the agreement between the City and School District. Jim Stepp took the picture.
Assistant Editor’s note: “This agreement is a great step forward, to maximize the usage of the outstanding facilities provided by the taxpayers of Morrison, IL. Our youth will have the luxury of competing on and in the best facilities in the area, while igniting the interest of outside organizations who could benefit from the same facilities for their programs. Morrison Sports Complex will be utilized to benefit the Morrison school and City programs, while exposing its potential to the visiting competition and their supporters.”
On December 1, 2022, the City of Morrison and Morrison Community Unit District # 6 signed a five-year agreement, to share the existing facilities and the responsibilities associated with the maintenance and obligations of each.
The City will grant priority access to Field #2 (Softball) and Field #5 (Baseball ) to the School District, for practice and games, beginning annually on January 1 and continuing through the end of the IHSA season or the conclusion of the Morrison High School season.
Some of the Agreement highlights follow.
● All maintenance and repairs will be the responsibility of the District and at the expense of
the District.
● Access to the scoreboard(s) and utilities to maintain the field will be offered by the City
without charge.
● Expenses related to the scoreboard and its future replacement will be shared equally
with both agreeing parties.
● The City will allow the District to use the existing lighting system.
● The City will mow the grass and provide fertilizer and herbicides at its discretion.
● Future enhancements and/or repairs to the current lighting system will not be the
responsibility of the City.
● Restrooms and Batting Cages may be utilized at no charge, and the operation of the
Concessions will be operated at the City’s discretion for all home games.
● Each field (Field #5 and Field #2) will be charged an annual rental fee of $1500. If
unanticipated expenses, such expenses will be shared on a 50/50 split by the agreeing
parties. Any additional improvements, including signage, storage, and fencing, to either
Field #5 or Field #2 must be approved by the City prior to commencement. All approved
changes will be at the District’s expense.
● The District’s facilities are offered for the City’s use for practices and games for its
recreational programs, including gymnasiums, bathrooms, and locker rooms as needed.
● All City usage will only be allowed after school instructional hours, functions, events, and [when] proposed usage does not conflict with any other District event. Facility security and accessibility guidelines are equitably defined within the agreement, as well
as the custodial responsibilities and basic maintenance that the District will provide.
