Parks & Rec pitches multipurpose soccer fields; board weighs 10-acre site vs larger parcel

Parks & Recreation Director Allison Patterson and colleagues presented options for constructing multipurpose soccer fields to meet growing registration demand. A subcommittee recommended Parcel 2210 — a larger parcel with room for phased expansion — over Parcel 2212C (the 10-acre “boot” site), which the group said could be suitable for an initial two-field phase but lacks long-term expansion capacity. Patterson described volunteer fundraising and donated in-kind services, including a pledged well valued at roughly $20,000 and donated materials or labor offers; presenters also noted concerns from nearby residents about access on Route 360 for the smaller parcel.

Staff described initial feasibility mock-ups and said the project could be phased: begin with rectangular fields on a portion of Parcel 2210 and expand with a master-plan approach if the county chooses to commit additional resources. Board members discussed phasing, engineering/site-plan costs, the potential to sell front parcels to offset development costs, and the value of preparing a visual plan or resolution signaling board intent ahead of budget work sessions. No formal decision was taken; staff were asked to continue coordination with volunteers and provide follow-up materials and a recommended next step (site plan or master plan) for the board to consider during budget deliberations.