MAC to get turf field despite public criticism

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho Governing Body unanimously approved a new turf field for McDermott Athletic Center June 26 despite opposition from some residents who argued that the project could hurt other community baseball teams.

The governing body’s decision came following a June 10 planning and zoning board vote recommending the council approve the project. The field, expected to be complete Aug. 1, will be 16,000 square feet with fencing around it, according to the site plan. Constructing the field will require turfing over existing parking spaces, which will be replaced by a compacted dirt lot north of the athletic center, located at 801 Loma Colorado Blvd. NE.

Before the vote, the MAC’s owner, Mike McDermott, told governing body members that the field “is just another opportunity for us to invest in the community again.” Though he did not mention it, McDermott had been before the city last year to gain approval on other amenities for the MAC, but his team later decided that a turf field was needed after hearing from customers that the city lacked space for practice fields.

Deputy Mayor and District 2 Councilor Jeremy Lenentine noted during the discussion that governing body members have spoken about “a deficit” in activity centers. He said such places, including a multi-generational recreation center, are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

“But we do appreciate the MAC and other folks stepping up,” Lenentine said.

Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull also said that despite a claim made during public comment, the field is not funded by the city; it is a private investment, and he thanked the MAC for investing in the community.

Thursday’s meeting did not include discussion of a submitted written public comment, signed by a resident claiming to speak for the “Rio Rancho Baseball Community,” which claimed to be against the MAC’s plan.

“It will only help the Mac and the Albuquerque Baseball Academy become richer!” Robert Bradley said on behalf of the baseball community.

The message urged the governing body to approve “something our Rio Rancho community can use and afford instead of giving favorable treatment to an athletic center that has already turned its back on our Rio Rancho community by charging crazy fees.”

In an interview following the meeting, McDermott said he had not reviewed the message but noted that the MAC has been the subject of anonymous online attacks.

“This sounds right up that alley,” McDermott said.

He said teams that use the MAC are not going to see an increase in fees. The field will be paid for through paid events, rentals and summer camps, according to McDermott.

Following the meeting, Lenentine justified the governing body’s approval of the field by saying the MAC has the support of the community and youth sports is “huge” in Rio Rancho, despite there not being enough field space.

“This is a resource our city really needs,” Lenentine said.

Responding to some public criticism of potential increased fees, Lenentine said the MAC sets its own cost structure. He went onto say that the city is thinking of average families by planning for more indoor recreational space.

“We can’t get it done as fast as we want to, but it is part of the plan,” Lenentine said.