Robson Center fundraising group outlines softball-field plan, asks district help to apply for grants

Community volunteers described detailed plans for a new softball field to be built just south of the Robson (Robson) Center and asked the school board to consider ways the district could help the project access grants.

The presenters displayed architectural renderings and said the project would include a lowered playing field with bleacher seating on two sides, covered dugouts, a plaza with concrete walkways and storage, accessible seating and a dirt infield with grass outfield that is “turf ready” for a future upgrade. They said the plaza level will sit above the field so spectators can look down into the playing surface.

The group said fundraising has already paid for initial site work and lighting poles, and that they broke ground. They reported being able to stage future upgrades incrementally — for example, leaving concrete perimeter work in place so synthetic turf could be added later if funds are available.

Presenters asked the district to consider a short-term administrative mechanism that would allow the group to apply for grants that require the school district — or the district’s foundation — to serve as the applicant or fiscal agent. They raised one example, a DICK’S Sporting Goods grant (approximately $25,000), that requires the school district to apply; the presenters said a local grant writer will prepare the application but that the district’s signature or an agreement would be required to submit and accept award funds if selected.

Board members and staff discussed several options during the meeting, including: - The possibility of a prepaid lease or short-term lease arrangement to pass grant funds through the district while keeping long‑term ownership with the landowner or the community group. - Using the district’s educational foundation to receive philanthropic dollars instead of direct district receipt; meeting participants noted the foundation must be the school district’s recognized foundation to avoid converting gifts into taxpayer funds. - Having district attorneys review creative structures before staff or the presenters submit an application that presumes district support.

No formal district action or vote was taken at the meeting. Presenters said they will return with more specific cost estimates and requested that the board allow attorneys and staff to study possible legal structures so the group can apply if an award opportunity arises.

The presenters emphasized the field’s primary intended users will be local high-school softball teams, with plans to allow city youth programs to use the facility outside school hours.

Ending: Board members said they would discuss options with legal counsel and staff and indicated willingness to continue exploring an approach that would let the community group pursue grant funding without committing the district to an ongoing maintenance obligation.