Jaime Vasquez delivers remarks to the Marshall Park Board during the public comment portion of their meeting May 6, 2026. (Photo by Kyle Hill, KMMO News)

Members of the Marshall Park Board were questioned Wednesday, May 6 by residents on the public’s ability to access and use the Wood and Huston Field at Indian Foothills Park.

About ten residents attended the board’s monthly meeting, with several of them expressing confusion about whether they’re able to reserve the field for youth soccer club practices, and whether they’d be charged for the reservation. Jaime Vasquez, who also brought the issue before the Marshall City Council last month, suggested that the lack of information available on the Marshall Parks and Recreation’s website, coupled with the field most days in the spring being used by Missouri Valley College’s baseball program, gives him the impression that members of the public are not welcome to use the field. Another resident, Crystal Lozano, expressed her disappointment when she said a field reservation her group had made and paid for was turned into a public access night. Board members engaged in discussion with the residents for about 30 minutes before proceeding to their agenda items.

Marshall Parks and Recreation Director Preston Peper (left) and Facilities Manager Travis Moritz take notes during a public discussion at the Marshall Park Board’s May 6, 2026 meeting. (Photo by Kyle Hill, KMMO News)

Parks Director Preston Peper acknowledged the communication issues after the meeting to KMMO News.

Residents at the meeting took issue with inconsistent and outdated information on the Parks and Recreation website. Peper says updated information is regularly posted on the department’s social media channels.

Marshall City Council members Carter Fawkes and Jim Papreck also attended Wednesday’s park board meeting. During the meeting, Peper and facilities manager Travis Moritz stated that Marshall Parks and Recreation will take public comment into consideration over the next month and consider any possible changes. They also noted that the department is looking to expand opportunities for teams to play soccer at Wood and Huston Field and Cargill Field, including an adult tournament scheduled for June 6 and 7, and plans to launch a fall youth league.

Marshall Park Board member Robin Baker (left) and resident Crystal Lozano engage in a discussion May 6, 2026 over fees charged for youth soccer teams to reserve Wood and Huston Field. (Photo by Kyle Hill, KMMO News)