Could Dacca Park be a marketing draw for Fife?

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FIFE OFFICIALS ARE HOPING TO DRAW MORE SPORTS TOURNAMENTS, SUCH AS YOUTH SOCCER, TO THE CITY’S PARKS IN THE FUTURE.

The city of Fife has booked 14 weekends of sports tournaments at Dacca Park for 2010, up from six last year. The increased use of the fields generates money through rental fees, and has the potential to boost business in hotels and restaurants.

Kurt Reuter, parks and recreation director for the city, gave an update to Fife City Council during its Feb. 16 study session.

Dacca Park has four fields. One accommodates a regulation-size baseball field, while the others can be used for softball or smaller baseball configurations for younger children. In the fall they become regulation-size or youth size soccer fields. In September, the fields will be reseeded, which will put them out of use for about a month.

“We are being discovered,” Reuter said. “Finally the word is out about Dacca Park. We are on the map.”

He attributes some of the new interest to demand and pricing.

“There is more competition for field space. We have tried to price our fields at a competitive level.”

Fife does not offer some services available elsewhere, such as laying down chalk lines on fields. Users are willing to perform such tasks for a lower rental fee, Reuter explained.

Most of those booking events are based in the local area, but often they are marketing in many states. For example, local clubs or select teams book tournaments as fundraisers and teams from around the Northwest are invited.

Getting more of those players and their family to stay and dine in Fife, rather than in nearby cities, is a goal for the city.

Fife’s location makes it attractive to families in for a weekend because of its proximity to other attractions, such as Wild Waves theme park in Federal Way.

“Everything is close by. There are other things to do in the area,” Reuter said. “We are very well situated.”

Laurel Potter, marketing coordinator for the city, coordinates with hotels and restaurants to get those visiting Fife for games to spend their money here.

The many fast-food outlets provide quick, affordable meals while many of the hotel rooms have double beds, ideal for putting several people in a room.

“Fife is a good match for these families,” Potter said.

Some fast-food restaurants will offer special coupons or give-aways for participants in the tournaments.

“This year there is an emphasis to get more people in our parks,” Potter remarked.

Councilmember Nancy de Booy said hotel operators should be encouraged by the efforts. “They should meet you with open arms.”

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