Deal reached on Rec Park

Amendments address noise concerns

The city of Painesville and Painesville City Schools have drafted amendments in a new 20year lease agreement with Lake Erie College for use of Kiwanis Recreation Park’s stadium that addresses noise concerns.

In 1990, a lease agreement was formed between the city and the schools creating a landlord-tenant relationship and outlining terms and conditions. The schools created a sublease agreement with the college for the primary purpose of athletic events.

The amendments contain tighter restrictions on the use of the stadium’s sound system by prohibiting the playing of any music that contains patently offensive lyrics and also prohibiting sound system use during practices.

“The college strives to be an excellent neighbor. We have worked hard to address the concerns voiced by neighbors. We greatly value the partnership with the city and the local schools.”

—Lake Erie College President Brian Posler

The city and school district have been negotiating for several months to address the noise concerns that sometimes prompted residents to call the police when unedited versions of music were playing too loud, according to Painesville City Council member Katie Jenkins.

“We have taken the feedback of all residents into consideration and proposed a contract that I am very comfortable with,” Jenkins said. “I do believe the measures put in place will substantially curb, if not entirely eliminate the nuisance.

“Painesville City Schools have been incredibly helpful during this process, and I look forward to resolving concerns that have existed over the last 10 years.”

There was nothing in the new agreement that Lake Erie College had not already supported and implemented over the past couple of years, according to college President Brian Posler.

“The college strives to be an excellent neighbor,” Posler said.

“We have worked hard to address the concerns voiced by neighbors. We greatly value the partnership with the city and the local schools.”

NEWS-HERALD FILE Painesville Kiwanis Recreation park sees many guests including those from Lake Erie College.