1 Torran Korman
From: Mary Gourley
Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:56 PM
To: Mary Gourley
Cc: Oriana Hart; Erik Billing; Torran Korman; Elissa Overton; Victoria Henkel; Zulema Higgins; John Jay; Jane Riley
Subject: FW: Support Wesco's Mini-Pitch
Please see public comment as it relates to an agenda item on the upcoming city council meeting.
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Thank you
Mary Gourley
Interim City Manager
From: Robert Pennington
Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:29 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>; Sebastopol Public Works <[email protected]>; Mary Gourley <[email protected]>; Oriana Hart <[email protected]> Subject: Support Wesco's Mini-Pitch
Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed development of a mini soccer court to be used by WESCO and the public at either the community center or temporarily in the downtown lot across from the Plaza.
WESCO is a vibrant and growing youth sports club that provides the kids of Sebastopol and West County the opportunity to play soccer year-round. It is a well-respected organization known for prioritizing good sportsmanship and character development above all else. For these reasons WESCO’s participation continues to expand and is now beyond the limits of what local sports fields can support. WESCO must now use fields in Santa Rosa and elsewhere to support their program.
The proposed mini-pitch project is a low cost / low impact solution that will enable WESCO to continue to serve the community. Having lights allows for programming flexibility, benefiting a larger number of families, and the greater community that will undoubtedly utilize the facility as well.
Think of the use that Polley Field gets from not only Sebastopol Little League, but also social softball leagues that draw teams from throughout the County. A similar, or greater, level of use should be expected of WESCO’s mini-pitch courts. WESCO would use the facility throughout the year, and many adult soccer leagues and groups would be interested in using a small pitch as well. These teams are currently using epicenter and other similar spaces outside of Sebastopol. Why not bring them to downtown?
This project would activate an under-utilized space, promote healthy lifestyles, and create a sports facility that will draw youth and adult soccer players and families to Sebastopol, creating a more vibrant downtown and supporting local businesses.
I respectfully urge the City Council to support this proposal. Investing in youth recreation is an investment in the future strength and vitality of our community.
2 Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rob Pennington