All city athletic fields, with the exception of the turf baseball/softball fields, are open for public use between the hours of 8am – 10pm.

(a)   During peak sport season (April 1 – July 30), all ballfields must be reserved in advance for practices/games.  Patrons can do this by completing a Facility Request Form at City Hall or obtaining it online and emailing it back to paolarec@paolagov.org

(1)   Reservations may be revoked and refunds not given if there is failure to follow facility rules and regulations.

(b)   During the off-season months (August 1 – March 30), all ballfields, with the exception of the turf baseball/softball fields, are open to the public as first come first serve.

(Ord. 3202)

(a)   City of Paola or Paola Recreation Commission and their affiliates are not responsible for damage or theft to vehicles, personal property, or lost items on the property.  Keep personal items and vehicles locked up at all times.

(b)   Groups shall inspect the fields/facility prior to and subsequent to each use to determine whether conditions are safe and/or appropriate for any intended use.  Groups shall promptly advise the City of Paola or Paola Recreation Commission staff of any unsafe/dangerous conditions.

(Ord. 3202)

(a)   Practices are not allowed on lined softball and baseball fields that have been prepped for games.

(b)   No Climbing or Sitting on Fences, Buildings, Dugouts or Other Structures

(c)   No Soft Toss, Kicking or Hitting balls into fences

(d)   No Painting of the field is permitted

(e)   Please keep restrooms clean and free from personal items

(f)   Help keep the facilities and park clean by disposing of all your trash in the trash cans.

(g)   No Glass Containers.

(h)   No Profanity or Fighting.  Violations may result in suspension or expulsion immediately and in the future.

(i)    Alcohol and Drug Free Facility

(Ord. 3202)

In the event of severe weather, all parties may be directed to their vehicles or restroom areas until further notification.

(Ord. 3202)

Field lights on the turf fields are pre-programmed to shut off at 10 p.m. each night.  These lights will only be turned on when the field is reserved and there is a request for lights.

(Ord. 3202)

Rental Rates: The rates for rental of the athletic fields at Wallace Park shall be approved by the City of Paola.  Payment is due at the time of reservation.

Priority of Use: The following is the hierarchy of use for the facilities

(a)   City of Paola/Paola Recreation Commission

(1)   Includes Events, Activities, Athletic Programs/Teams (Youth and Adult)

(b)   USD 368

(c)   Local (PRC) Athletic Teams – Travel teams, roster leagues, roster teams

(d)   Non-Local Athletic Teams – Travel teams, roster leagues, roster teams

(e)   For Profit Organizations/Events

Athletic Facilities Rental Rates

(Ord. 3202)

To protect the field surface, maximize the life of each field, and avoid conflict between user groups, the City of Paola and Paola Recreation Commission asks that every renter, team official, player, spectator, and parent be aware of the following rules & regulations for use of the artificial turf field.

(a)   The turf baseball/softball fields are available for use through reservations ONLY.  Patrons can reserve the fields by completing a Facility Request form.  Forms are available at City Hall or online or by contacting the Paola Rec Director.

(b)   The turf fields are to be used for approved activities only (i.e. baseball/softball, soccer, football, kickball)

(c)   Tables and chairs without bases are NOT allowed on the turf.  Lawn chairs with wide bases or U-Shaped legs are approved chairs to be on turf.  These chairs provide sufficient protection for the turf.

(d)   Golfing and/or other non-authorized use is prohibited

(e)   No animals (dogs or pets of any kind) are allowed on the turf area

(f)   Wheeled devices, including but not limited to motorized vehicles, bikes, wagons, inline skates, scooters and skateboards are not allowed on turf.  ADA compliant wheelchairs are allowed.

(g)   No picking or pulling of the grass fibers or infill material on the field

(h)   Marking, Painting or Taping is strictly prohibited

(i)    No Spitting

(j)    No Food, Gum or Chewing Tobacco is allowed on the turf area

(k)   No Sunflower Seeds or Shelled Nuts of any kind are allowed

(l)    Only water in non-breakable containers is permitted on the turf area

(m)  No Glass Containers or Aluminum Cans

(n)   Grills or other open cooking structures are prohibited

(o)   Footwear on artificial turf fields must be molded rubber cleats, turf shoes or running shoes and clean of mud.

(p)   No Metal Spike Shoes

(q)   Only freestanding field markers and sports equipment may be used on the turf surfaces.  No stakes, post, poles, or markers of any kind may be driven into the turf

(r)    No unauthorized tents, chairs, or shade structures will be allowed on the turf surface

(s)   Substances that may stain the turf, such as ointments or sunscreen must be kept at player areas or outside the fenced area

These rules and regulations are in effect at all times and apply to everyone using the fields.  Reservation holders will be liable, fees may be assessed and field privileges will be suspended and/or revoked if the rules are not followed.

(Ord. 3202; Ord. 3224)