Questions about what will happen to Grand Park will remain unanswered in 2023 as the city considers whether to sell it or enter into a public-private partnership to operate the complex. (Photo by Matthew Kent)
The Westfield City Council is expected to vote on a resolution that is the first step toward finalizing an agreement between the city and Grand Park Sports & Entertainment to manage Grand Park.
The resolution was introduced on Aug. 5. It sets out the terms of a public-private partnership with GPSE. Although the resolution was introduced this month, it will likely go through some revisions before being approved. Council President Patrick Tamm said the resolution is required under state law for the city to enter into a public-private partnership. The resolution is not a final contract, but rather a commitment to continue negotiations with GPSE.
“The reality is that with lease terms of more than five years, some changes to the draft are to be expected,” said Tamm. “So the draft that is available to the public will change to some extent.”
GPSE is a joint venture between Bullpen Tournaments and Indy Sports & Entertainment, the operator of Indy Eleven. Bullpen Tournaments hosts baseball tournaments at Grand Park, while Indy Eleven is headquartered at Grand Park’s multi-purpose sports fields.
Matthew Deck, Westfield’s director of facilities and events, said GPSE’s offer is the only one that allows the city to retain ownership of Grand Park.
“GPSE also brings the development and real estate expertise of Keystone Realty Group,” Deck said. “GPSE’s existing relationships with the NCAA, FIFA, Big Ten Conference, Horizon League, IHSAA, United Soccer League, Major League Soccer and MLB will lead to future opportunities, as we have already seen with the selection of Grand Park and Westfield as a (potential) base camp site for the 2026 World Cup. GPSE brings an exciting vision for the park and the expertise to ensure Grand Park remains the top destination for youth sports.”
Deck said if the partnership is approved, GPSE will make guaranteed annual payments that more than double Grand Park’s current profits. The partnership also allows local residents to continue to enjoy free admission and allows the continuation of an agreement with Westfield Youth Sports, Inc.
“The city will no longer have to bear maintenance or operating costs and can invest the revenue generated in a Grand Park village or other investments in the city,” Deck said.
During a public hearing on August 5, WYSI President Chad Schenkel thanked the city for including local youth sports in the negotiations.
“Demand for our youth services in Westfield continues to grow and commitment to youth in Westfield continues to grow,” said Schenkel.
Linda Naas, who previously served on the RCD, noted that some language in the resolution appeared to be incorrect – she pointed out that the RDC, not the city named in the document, had asked for suggestions – and asked that these errors be corrected before the council approves the resolution.
The resolution does not specify the partnership or the terms of the partnership. City officials said the resolution simply names GPSE as the only company with which the city is negotiating to manage Grand Park.
“The City Council held a public hearing on the selection of Grand Park Sports and Entertainment to operate Grand Park under a public-private partnership with the City of Westfield and the Westfield Redevelopment Commission,” Mayor Scott Willis stated in a press release after the meeting. “A resolution approving this selection was introduced at the Council meeting. Under Indiana law, the public-private partnership agreement is confidential until it is fully signed by the City, RDC and GPSE. Once the contract is signed, we can discuss the terms of the agreement.”
