Community members asked the Forest Park council April 21 to partner with a local effort to build turf athletic fields at the city’s Central Site and to engage alumni to help fund and support the project.

Tyler Shed, speaking for a group with ties to Whitinwood High School, said organizers have identified funding sources (including USA Football grants and local professional-team community funds) and estimated the turf project cost at about $2,000,000. Shed urged the city to help invite alumni and convene stakeholders; he argued improved fields would benefit school athletics, community events such as Jazz Fest and other recreation programming.

Council responded that the council liaison to the school board would contact the district and alumni association to explore collaboration; the mayor and council indicated the proposal will require further meetings and planning. No vote or formal commitment of city funds was made at the meeting.

Shed requested that city staff, the superintendent and the school board join an outreach effort; council members encouraged organizers to continue meetings with the school and the city’s economic development or community engagement staff as appropriate.

No formal action or funding approval occurred at the meeting; council members asked staff to follow up with the school liaison and report back at a future session.