Representatives of the San Francisco 49ers Foundation and the Bay Area Host Committee briefed the Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Trustees on June 12 about a potential community‑benefit project at Townsend Field, adjacent to Bookser Middle School. The 49ers Foundation described prior investments in district education and proposed a partnership to fund a synthetic turf field, a new all‑weather track and necessary ADA and accessibility upgrades to the stadium complex.

Foundation staff said their philanthropic work includes STEM programs and student visits to Levi’s Stadium; with Super Bowl and multiple World Cup games scheduled in the region, the foundation and host committee said they have resources earmarked for regional legacy projects. The district’s facilities staff and the 49ers team discussed project scope (turf and track), possible DSA (Division of the State Architect) requirements, potential ADA upgrades, and the need to assess structural conditions and site upgrades.

Trustees emphasized multiple considerations: protecting existing community users (including the Santa Clara Lions), accommodating Bookser Middle School PE schedules, confirming reuse of existing reclaimed water systems, assessing environmental and PFAS questions related to artificial turf, and ensuring any donated labor or materials comply with public contract code and district policy. Staff said they would coordinate with community users and the Lions organization on scheduling and impacts.

Because design and environmental analysis are required before costs and phasing can be finalized, the board voted 7–0 to authorize the district to retain an architect for initial planning and cost estimating, with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $50,000. Staff said the architect’s work would be used to develop a phased construction schedule that aims to complete field and track work for fall 2026 competition windows if feasible. Trustees asked staff to return with detailed cost estimates, a draft partnership agreement, and any required community‑use or lease clarifications for review later this year.

Nut graf: The 49ers Foundation offered District staff an opportunity to pursue a large-scale athletic field upgrade that could be funded in part by the foundation and regional host‑committee resources; trustees approved early planning funds so the district can perform required DSA, ADA and environmental analysis and return with a binding cost‑sharing proposal.

Ending: Staff will start procurement for architectural services, perform site and structural assessments, and work with existing field users to develop phased schedules and a public agreement for the partnership.