Crown Jewel of American Rugby

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The dream behind connecting the diverse Glendale community into rugby was proving to be a success by 2009. More and more fans were attending matches within the stadium and interest in bringing high-level rugby events to the one-of-a-kind complex was beginning to grow.

Finishing Touches

With the stadium, event center and community sport center now complete, the next phase of the project was ready for implementation. General contractor Turner Construction was in the process of demolishing several deteriorated apartment buildings and clearing space for the practice pitch. The turf practice field would become part of Infinity Park complex, adding an eight-acre park including the pitch, a pavilion, picnic areas, walking paths, public lawns and a field house.

Renovation was also beginning in the fire house building to convert office space into the High Altitude Training Center (HATC), a recovery area and training room for the Raptors and visiting teams. Once completed, athletes would have state-of-the-art training and recovery facilities to match their impressive municipally-owned complex.

“Our focus was to keep the design and build process highly collaborative between the city, the general contractor (Turner Construction) and the design team (Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative and Design Studios West),” Deputy City Manager and Director of Finance for the City of Glendale Linda Cassaday said. “Taking this approach allowed us to streamline the design and build process, eliminate the need for multiple design submissions, and ultimately apply funds to the construction of the complex more efficiently.”

The Boy Scouts of America had the honor of hosing the first event at IPEC upon its completion just a few months later in November. Like its sister the Sports Center, IPEC boasts state-of-the-art equipment and provides the community with indoor and outdoor spaces for meetings, weddings and other special events.

The turf field opened for practices and matches late spring of 2009 and the surrounding park area was completed in June 2010. A close follower to the new park, the HATC and recovery areas were open for use in March 2011. Upon the opening of the HATC and recovery area, Mike Dunafon and his team could congratulate everyone involved on a job well done – the Infinity Park complex was now complete.

National, International Interest

With the completion of the Infinity Park complex and the growing success of the Raptors RFC, Glendale garnered national and international attention for its state-of-the-art training and playing facilities. The city played host to the Churchill Cup, and international tournament, in 2009 and 2010, the National Collegiate All Star Championships in 2009 and 2010, the CanAms in 2009, several USA Eagles test matches and USA National Club Championships.

Infinity Park is preparing to host its third National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) Championship finals. It will also host the Third Annual Serevi RugbyTown 7s tournament in conjunction with the Third Annual Armed Forces tournament in 2014.

Having so many national and international rugby events under its belt easily allowed Glendale to be rebranded as RugbyTown USA in 2010. The wide scope of interest also served to draw attention to the extraordinary effort needed to redevelop the area into a green space, and maintain the stadium pitch under harsh environmental conditions.

The oft unsung heroes in that effort are the members Infinity Park’s turf management crew. The crew work tirelessly to rejuvenate the pitch after each match – not to mention during the brutal Colorado seasons. Their dedication and expertise has earned them the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) National Winner for Field of the Year in the Sporting Grounds category in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Additionally, they earned Field of the Year, Overall from the Colorado Sports Turf Managers Association.

Raptors Evolution

Throughout the finishing phases of construction and opening of the HATC, the Raptors players continue to keep their sights set on winning a national championship. Both men’s and women’s sides had earned reputations for being highly competitive and skilled on the pitch – they had only needed to prove that they were the best, not just one of the best.

The DI men’s team was able to reach that goal in the spring of 2011, with a championship win over Olympic Club in the final. They continued their championship momentum into 2012, where they were the favorites to win over powerhouse rivals Belmont Shore in the final. Unfortunately for Glendale, Belmont proved to have the edge on the day, and the Raptors would finish the year in second place.

A championship title continued to elude the women’s team. Each year, Glendale would be a fixture in the women’s playoffs, but each year the team would fall just short of the final four.

2011 found the women in the DI finals marked up against Chicago North Shore, a team they had defeated earlier in the season. In spite of a heartbreaking loss, the ladies were still allowed to challenge the bottom-seeded WPL team for a chance to advance into the higher-level league. The Raptors faced off against WPL’s eighth-seeded Minnesota Valkyries on a rainy Saturday in Austin, Texas. Which the Valks started off strong – eager to remain in the WPL – the Raptors settled into their pattern of play and dominated over the remaining 80 minutes of play. At the final whistle the Raptors knocked Minnesota out of the WPL with an irrefutable 53-5 victory.

While elevation into the top women’s league in the country was a huge step forward for the Glendale women, it was not the national championship they were seeking. The ladies highest ranking in the WPL was a second place finish in 2012. They continue to add top-talent names to their roster each season and will be back in the hunt in 2014 for the championship.

For 2014 the men have changed gears. They will be dropping their DI program to participate in the newly formed Pacific Rugby Premiership (PRP). The newly formed league will provide a platform to elite-level play among the top teams in the western United States. The Raptors will play their inaugural home PRP match on Saturday, March 1 2014 in the Infinity Park Stadium. Glendale will also retain their Division II men’s team and all youth programs.

The successful rebuild and rebranding of the City of Glendale into a rugby-oriented mecca has been the result of countless hours of collaboration between a city government, business and the community.

“Success of our efforts has been dependent on never losing sight of our desire to inject new life and opportunity within the City of Glendale through rebranding,” Mayor Dunafon said. “Rugby has been the vehicle to accomplish that goal and we look forward to the continued evolution of the Raptors organization and the surrounding community.”

The creation of the complex has done much more than bring rugby into the spotlight. It provides the community with a safe, family-friendly location to gather with friends, whether it be for the purpose of cheering on their favorite rugby team, personal fitness, a wedding or birthday, or just a quiet picnic in the park.

We’ll see you in RugbyTown USA!

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Applicants must be 21 years of age or older. The City of Glendale shall have at least one business day after receiving application to review. The City of Glendale reserves the right to take additional time to review any application.

Full payment of rental fees and required deposits are required at the time of application. A deposit will be required prior to your event and will be returned within 30 days after your event as long as no damages are incurred. An employee from Infinity Park and/or the Glendale Public Works department will report on any damages or cleaning charges before your deposit will be returned.

Rental fees are charged for the entire reserved time which is to include set-up and tear down/clean up. Your group will be expected to vacate space promptly at end time listed on permit. Additional fees may apply based on the size and scope of event.

The City of Glendale reserves the right to: 1) amend the rental rules as needed to serve the best interest of the City; 2) relocate any meeting/activity based on unforeseen circumstances; 3) have a designated employee visit any activity site or require that the Glendale Police Department enforce the terms of this rental agreement; 4) terminate the permit at any time in the interest of public safety without refund of rental fees or deposit.

The City of Glendale assumes no liability for lost or stolen property on park premises or for personal injuries sustained on the premises during the permit holder’s activity.

Permits will be issued upon approval of application. Reservation notices will be posted on the day of the event.

Changes to date or site may be charged $25.00 per permit change.

Applications

Applications should be submitted at least 10 business days prior to requested date of use. Applications received within 24 hours of event/activity may be charged a $25 service fee. Payment and all applicable documents must besubmitted at least 5 business days prior to permit date. Depending on the nature of the activity, “applicable” documents may include an Athletic Organization Information Form, Waiver of Liability and/or Insurance Agreement.

All applications will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accepted via mail, fax or email. Payment must accompany application before being considered. Any application submitted without complete information and/or without payment will not be reviewed.

Mailing Address: Infinity Park Operations, 950 S Birch St., Glendale, CO 80246
Email: Park@InfinityParkatGlendale.com
Fax: 303-639-4611

Payment

By mail: Applications must be accompanied by payment: check (made out to “City of Glendale”), money order or Visa/MasterCard.

By email or fax: A credit card authorization form must accompany application.

Rental Guidelines, Terms & Conditions

1. Daily Park Hours: The Synthetic Turf Athletic Field at Infinity Park is available to reserve from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The volleyball courts, as well as the pavilions and fields at Creekside and Mir Parks, are available to reserve from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM. Use of all spaces may be limited to certain months of the year and select days of the week

2. Park Permit: A permit is required for any group activity (“group” is defined as activities with 10 or more people). The permit must be in the possession of the group while the site is in use. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. The City of Glendale reserves the right to change and/or revoke any permit and restrict activities in the park at any given time. Any violations of City of Glendale policies, rules, regulations, or guidelines may result in immediate revocation of permit. Use of any of the facilities described in this document without the appropriate authorization may result in fines and possible loss of future scheduling privileges.

3. Usage Priority: If a site has been permitted, the permit-holder has priority over other users. Contact Park Operations (number listed on permit) for any site issues.

4. Fees: Fees are due in full; deposits or partial payments are not accepted. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, and money orders (made payable to City of Glendale) or Master Card or Visa Credit Cards.

5. Attendee Conduct: The permit-holder is responsible for his/her actions as well as the actions of gathering attendees.

6. Restroom Facilities: Restroom facilities are taken on an “as is” basis and are not part of any reserved space.

7. Vehicular Access: Motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited. Roadways and parking areas are clearly marked and established. Driving beyond designated boundaries to load and unload equipment or transport goods is prohibited. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

8. Site Clean Up: It is the permit holder’s responsibility to clean up after each use. Trash must be properly disposed of in dumpsters or trash barrels (depending on the size and scope, certain permit holders may be required to provide additional trash receptacles/dumpsters). Ice may be placed in barrels or spread out on hard surfaces. Grills of any type are prohibited. Trash is not to be left in flowerbeds, on grassy areas, under/in trees, shrubs, vegetation, buildings, or structures. Excessive trash removal on the part of Infinity Park or the Glendale Public Works Department may result in forfeiture of deposit, fines and possible loss of future scheduling privileges.

9. Destruction of Property: It is unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to mark, remove, break, or climb upon, or in any way injure, damage or deface trees, shrubs, plants, turf, or any of the buildings, fences, monuments, goal posts, or other structures or property within or upon the park.

10. Damage: Broken fences, seating, goals, or any potential safety hazards such as holes or broken sprinkler heads should be reported immediately to the phone number listed on the permit.

11. Glass Bottles/Containers: Glass bottles and containers are prohibited.

12. Alcoholic Beverages: 3.2% beer is the only alcoholic beverage allowed in the park, except under special licensing. Beer must be served in cans or from a keg in plastic cups. All State liquor laws apply. Alcoholic beverage sales, including purchased tickets, are prohibited, except under special licensing.

13. Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Bag dispensers are provided, and dog owners are expected to clean up after their pets.

14. Amplified Sound: Amplified sound (i.e. P.A. systems, music) is prohibited without Assembly Permit or Special Event Contract.

15. Canopies and Tents: Tents, canopies and additional tables and chairs provided by groups using the parks/pavilions will be permitted. Staking is prohibited; weights, including water, lead and sand are allowed.

16. Signage: Signs, banners, party decorations, and canopies may not be attached to trees, shelters, light fixtures, or other park structures. Blocking areas, including sidewalks, parking lots, paths, and roadways is prohibited.

17. Prohibited Activities/Items: included, but not limited to: aircraft, air castles, carnivals, climbing walls, dunk tanks, fireworks, golf, horseback riding, hot air balloons, inflatable games, model airplanes, moon walks, petting zoos, pony rides, and search lights (some of these activities may be allowed with limited hours and Assembly City of Glendale 950 South Birch St, Glendale. CO 80246 Page | 6 permit or Special Event Contract). Weapons, including but not limited to such items as knives, firearms, bows and arrows, martial arts weapons, javelins, shot-puts, discus, and all other projectiles, are prohibited. All Federal, State and Municipal laws apply.

18. Admission: Charging admission or gate charges is prohibited, except under a Special Event or Assembly permit.

19. Gambling: Raffles, gambling, bingo, and games where money buys a chance are prohibited.

20. Grills: Mir and Creekside Park Pavilions: portable gas grills are allowed (permit holders may also use the grills located at the pavilions); Infinity Park: grills of all types – charcoal, gas, portable, etc., – are prohibited. Two (2) stationary, charcoal grills are located west of the pavilion.

21. Event Equipment Needs: The permit holder is responsible for providing all necessary equipment and services, including but not limited to activity-related equipment, canopies, tents, chairs, tables, scaffolding, portable toilets, hand sinks, water or water containers, trash receptacles, trash pick-up, recycling, and clean-up crews. All equipment and fixtures provided by permit holder must be temporary in nature and may not be affixed, attached or permanently change the condition of the playing surface.

22. Insurance: Insurance is required for reservations for 100 or more people. In such cases, permit holder must provide commercial general liability insurance for the benefit of all activity-related individuals and groups, including permit holder group members, participants, attendees, invitees, and the City of Glendale. The commercial general liability insurance shall provide coverage of at least $1,000,000 and name the City of Glendale, its employees, agents and/or assigns as Additional Insured. The certificate of this commercial general liability insurance shall be received by theCity no later than twenty-one (21) days prior to the permit holder’s scheduled use of the site reserved. Permit holder expressly acknowledges and agrees that homeowner’s insurance coverage does not meet the requirements hereof. Certificate must read as follows with this exact language: ADDITIONALLY INSURED: THE CITY OF GLENDALE, ITS OFFICERS, OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES. If you are unable to obtain this insurance, please contact Park Operations at 303-692-5799

23. Permit Revocation: Permits may be revoked for failure to follow guidelines in any way.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES SPECIFIC TO SPORTS FIELDS

1. Field Conditions: Athletic field permit holders may be asked to limit field use hours and days as determined by Infinity Park Operations and/or the City of Glendale Public Works Department. In the case of adverse field conditions, such as weather, sprinkler operations, field repairs, etc., athletic fields may be closed. Any use of the athletic fields without the appropriate authorization or when the fields are closed may result in fines and possible loss of future scheduling privileges.

2. Snow Removal: Individuals are not allowed to remove snow from any of the fields.

3. Equipment: All teams, organizations and players are required to provide their own equipment for practices, games and tournaments. All equipment and fixtures provided by permit holder must be temporary in nature and may not be affixed, attached or permanently change the condition of the playing surface.

4. Field Markings: Any field markings not applied by the Glendale Public Works Department may result in forfeiture of deposit, penalty fees and loss of future scheduling privileges.

5. Insurance/Waiver of Liability Options: Option 1. The permit holder provides 1) a roster with player names, addresses and cities of residence listed and 2) proof of insurance on an “Accord Insurance Certificate.” Insurance Certificate must 1) reflect a minimum coverage amount of $1,000,000; 2) reflect a 30 day cancellation period with notice of intent to cancel provided to Infinity Park AND the City of Glendale at the address listed on the permit; and 3) state the Additionally Insured as “THE CITY OF GLENDALE, ITS OFFICERS, OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES.” Binders and pending or blanket policies are not acceptable.

Option 2. In lieu of an Insurance Certificate, permit holder signs waiver form on behalf of all participants (form located next page).