In this file photo from July 22, 2016, players in The Hardwood Classic AAU basketball tournament fill courts at Sports Pavilion Lawrence.

At their meeting Tuesday, city commissioners will decide whether to backtrack on a policy made by the previous commission during the contentious approval of the Sports Pavilion Lawrence and Rock Chalk Park projects.

Commissioners will consider approving changes to the court use policy at the pavilion, allowing all eight basketball/volleyball courts to be used for large events or tournaments up to 20 days per year. The current policy states that the facility will make at least one court available for free play during operating hours.

In July, city administration faced some public criticism for not following the standing policy. All of the pavilion’s courts were closed for free play during the Hardwood Classic, a large basketball tournament that attracted about 300 youth basketball teams. The tournament generated about $2.5 million in direct business sales and $200,000 in local taxes, according to its event impact summary.

City staff is recommending the change in policy in part to be able to “secure and retain large tournaments/events,” according to a city memo. The memo states that since opening its doors in the fall of 2014, the pavilion has hosted over 60 tournaments or events that generated more than $9.75 million in economic impact for the city.

Part of the reason the approval process for the project was controversial is because the city deviated from its standard bidding practices for portions of the site’s infrastructure work. In total, the city spent about $22.5 million on the project. In addition to the pavilion’s eight courts, the facility includes a walking track, cardio equipment area and weight room, and the designation of a court for free play was presented as one of the communal elements of the facility.

The memo says that Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department staff will make every effort to minimize the number of hours free play is not offered and will ensure free play is available at the other LPRD recreation centers. It also notes that free play would not be eliminated completely during the majority of tournaments.

“As teams lose and the number of games being played begins to diminish courts would in turn open up for free play,” the memo states. “Staff will insure that key card holders are notified and adjusted free play times are posted at SPL and on our website at least one week in advance.”

In addition to the court use policy, commissioners will consider authorizing a two-year agreement with Sandbar Subs to be the concessions provider to the Parks and Recreation Department, beginning in November. Part of that contract includes the café located at the pavilion.

City commissioners will meet at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St.