Oregon Youth Soccer outlines plan for regional complex on district land; board asks questions about traffic, equity and environment

Representatives from the Oregon Youth Soccer Association and project manager Cogio presented a proposal to the Woodburn School District Board to build a multi-field regional youth-soccer complex on district-owned land and asked the board to consider advancing a draft partnership agreement.

"I'm the executive director of Oregon Youth Soccer, and so super excited to be here today," Simon Dade said as he introduced the association's vision of a permanent site that could host large regional events and provide weekday access to Woodburn students.

Patrick Sampson, CEO of Cogio, said the builders and operators would assume the cost of constructing and maintaining the facility while the district would retain ownership of the land. "What we've proposed is that it is at 0 cost to the school district," Sampson said, describing a funding model that mixes individual donations, foundations, corporations, government grants and educational partnerships.

Board members and members of the public raised questions about community impacts, including parking and traffic around Parr Road, inclusivity of team fees, environmental mitigation and long-term operations. One board member said she worried that a tournament model could price out local families; another asked whether the project would include solar panels or water recycling. Sampson said the project team has filed a preliminary EPA grant application and expects an environmental review if the project advances.

District staff emphasized that no decision has been made and that any agreement would include prioritized school access. Staff also noted available district acreage for future expansion on sites including French Prairie, Lincoln and the high school. Presenters outlined an intended usage hierarchy that would prioritize district needs during school hours while allowing community and OISA use on evenings, weekends and summers.

Board members said they want more detail on traffic mitigation, operational expenses (including possible transportation and busing implications for school teams), and how scholarships or fee-waiver programs would ensure access for low-income players. Presenters said fundraising work would include a mix of revenue sources and that scholarship and equity programs can be incorporated into their management plan.

Next steps: presenters asked the board to continue dialogue and identify next questions for staff to answer; staff said they would return with follow-up information at the board's request. The presentation did not include a formal vote or commitment to lease or develop property.