Mayor Bill Bell and several councilors praised the recent grand opening of Lebanon’s new sports complex, saying the facility drew large crowds and community support and that it provides new opportunities for youth athletics.
Councilors noted the complex hosted football and soccer games and that representatives from professional soccer organizations attended; one councilor said the complex was the first new youth athletic fields constructed since 2001.
Several councilors urged the city to begin planning phase 2 of the sports complex and to coordinate upgrades to existing facilities, including Baird Park, in partnership with local youth sports organizations. A councilor said they wanted to see a plan by the end of the year and suggested using requested budget amendments to help fund improvements.
Why it matters: councilors framed the complex as a community investment in youth programming and recreation, with knock‑on benefits for families and volunteer engagement.
Details: councilors thanked city staff and volunteers who worked long hours to complete the project after contractor issues. They also discussed potential needs for additional courts and fields as the city grows and suggested forming partnerships with local sports groups to guide renovations.
Next steps: councilors asked staff to incorporate field revamp planning into upcoming budget and design discussions for phase 2; no formal phase-2 appropriation was adopted at this meeting.