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Raymond Park progressing; PASO offers nearly $1 million for multipurpose field lighting
Summary
Construction continues at Raymond Park with a projected October completion; the town reported a PASO donation of $950,000 toward multipurpose field lighting (estimated $1.8M–$2M), and staff presented field-use data showing high synthetic-turf utilization amid lost school fields.
Town staff updated the Parks and Recreation Board on construction progress at Raymond Park, field-capacity data and a major private donation toward lighting for multipurpose fields.
Park progress and schedule: Kurtz Bealhartz, park development manager, said recent rains temporarily slowed work but contractors have advanced restroom work, fencing and backstops; staff now anticipates substantial completion around October 2025, weather permitting. "We're thinking now completion is gonna be in October," Kurtz said.
Field capacity and utilization: Trevor Hilton, recreation manager, reviewed multi-year field-use tracking the department has kept since 2015 and said use of synthetic-turf (artificial) surfaces is high. He reported recent losses of several school and club fields (Eagles Landing, Reynolds Middle School) and said staff expanded practice locations at Folsom Middle School and reconfigured layouts at Frontier Park to maintain play. Trevor said synthetic turf practice usage percentages have increased and that youth-sports participation (baseball, soccer) continues to grow.
Lighting funding offer: Director Dan Baker told the board the Prosper Area Soccer Organization (PASO) has offered $950,000 toward LED lighting for Raymond's multipurpose fields. Baker said PASO previously placed funds in a CD and is prepared to donate $950,000 now; PASO also offered to advance additional contributions after fall registration. Baker estimated the lighting cost at roughly $1.8 million to $2.0 million and said the Capital Improvement Program subcommittee gave a favorable initial review. "They're gonna make their $950,000 donation as long as staff, as long as town council will accept it," Baker said. Council approval will be required before accepting the contribution and proceeding with installation.
Sod versus seed: Staff told the board seed was included for multipurpose fields in the current contract but that late-season seeding risks poor establishment. Baker said upgrading from seed to sod would cost roughly $400,000 and recommended a change order so fields establish sooner and are available for organized play next season; he said contingency funds from Raymond and leftover Lakewood funds could cover the upgrade without diverting other planned projects.
Why it matters: The donation and potential sod upgrade would increase usable field hours, reduce weather-related cancellations, and help meet demand as the town grows. Staff and the CIP subcommittee signaled support, but Baker said formal council action will be required to accept PASO's funds and to approve any change order.
Ending: Board members expressed broad support for pursuing the lighting donation and for measures to get fields ready; no council-level approvals were made at the May 8 board meeting.
