The Billings Baseball Preservation Society presented the idea of establishing a baseball museum at Dehler Park (see attached museum layout and site plan) at the March 7, 2011 City Council work session. Private fundraising will provide the sole source of funds for construction, operation and maintenance. The initial fundraising goal is $3.5 million, which will cover construction costs (estimated by CTA in October, 2010, at $2.7 million) and establish a substantial initial operational/maintenance account. Additional operating funds will come in the form of naming rights, memberships, admissions, sponsorships, advertising and rental/use agreements.

The museum and education center will be operated by the Billings Baseball Preservation Society and owned by the City. The Society will rely upon a combination of paid and volunteer workers. The facility will be open and directly accessible to fans in attendance at baseball games. At time when Dehler Park is not open to the public, the facility will be separately accessible via an entrance on 10th Avenue North.

The building facade will be consistent with that of Dehler Park, while presenting a distinctive appearance intended to attract the crowd in attendance at baseball games. The museum and educational center will feature interactive stations in separate display rooms, an educational venue (mini theater), storage and curator space.

 Approve the baseball museum concept at Dehler Park; or do not approve the concept.

Since the Billings Baseball Preservation Society would be responsible for raising the funds to build, maintain, and operate the baseball museum, there would not be a financial impact to the City.

Staff recommends that Council approve the proposed baseball museum concept.