Over the past 4 months, the Klein Soccer Board Board of Directors has been formulating plans to improve and increase the longevity of our recreational soccer program. Our recent proposal quickly evolved as new information was brought forth by the county. While we had initially planned to partner with an entity to manage daily operations in attempt to make the process more efficient, an outpouring of support from our members convinced us that the way forward meant remaining with our roots as a solely volunteer-based operation. News that Harris County is seeking new partners to run Meyer Park operations has reinforced this decision to remain a community based volunteer run organization.
KSC continues to work with Harris County and Commissioner Cagle’s office to ensure that affordable recreational soccer remains at Meyer Park and that the park remains accessible to the community.
KSC has invested millions of dollars over the past 40 years developing and maintaining the soccer fields at Meyer Park. Last year alone KSC allocated $240,000 into field maintenance that included installing a new well and sprinkler systems that were damaged by the floods. Our lease to the county expired in August of 2018 just as we were finishing clubhouse renovations from a second flood. At that time the county informed KSC the lease for Meyer Park was extended while we awaited the development of a nearby park to expand our recreational program. KSC recently learned the county is pursuing different avenues to increase revenues and cost reimbursement. Based on a for-profit plan promoted by a competitor, the county has proposed that Meyer Park bids include covering related utility costs and 10% of its annual gross income. These new initiatives would make KSC unable to compete with a for profit organization, since we are a non-profit and volunteer-based corporation. Our primary objective is, as it has always been, to provide affordable recreational soccer to our community. As we optimistically plan for a Fall soccer season, we want to ensure everyone that we are working diligently on an agreement with the county to keep our program at Meyer Park, giving the youth of our community a safe place to foster and expand their love for the game.
