Enumclaw OKs Stadium Funding, 10-Year Pact With Creationfest

The Enumclaw City Council passed resolutions Monday night to accept a $300,000 state grant to help pay for the new synthetic turf field at the Expo Center and to extend its contract with Creationfest for 10 years.

“It’s the final funding piece,” Public Works Director Chris Searcy said of the stadium grant, adding there have been some delays, and the city’s been “constantly pressuring them to get the money for the project.”

The council discussed stipulations with the Recreation and Conser-vation Office grant, such as limits on income.

“It’s not supposed to be a cash cow,” Searcy said.

Another stipulation is some free use time by the public.

“It can’t be locked up and kept away from the public until somebody rents it,” Searcy said, adding people should be able to throw a football around or run 40-yard sprints.

Other stipulations include no preferential treatment, an ongoing obligation to maintain it and RCO being credited for the grant with signage and at a dedication.

To get the full amount the city would have to come up with $600,000 in cash or in-kind contributions. Your Enumclaw Area Stadium has secured a $250,000 NFL grant, and the city has accepted a $75,000 grant from King County. Park impact fees will provide $18,750 and YEAS is collecting donations. Local developer Carl Sanders is donating site preparation work prior to installation of the turf.

Also, Kristen Damazio, manager of the Expo Center, talked to the council about Creationfest. She said its organizers were so excited about its first year last summer that they wanted a long-term agreement.

Councilman Michael Ennis said, "I cannot overstate the significance of the agreement long-term” as we’ve needed an anchor tenant.

In the agreement, the city would receive $70,000, or 6 percent of event ticket sales, whichever is greater. It would also receive 10 percent of concessions.

Councilman Richard Elfers said the city will receive $1 million over the 10-year period.

“This is what we’ve been working for,” he said. “Look at how much business it brings to the city. Everyone benefits.”

Damazio said the entire community welcomed Creationfest.

“Everybody made this happen,” she said. “That’s why they want to do this for 10 years.”

Creationfest, which has taken place at various locations since 1979, will run from July 20-23 this year. The Christian music festival features Toby Mac, Chris Tomlin, the Newsboys and Hawk Nelson. The new contract would keep the festival here through 2020.