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Council backs plan to lease former school property for expanded soccer fields and tournaments
Summary
Council voted to advance a proposed lease with the school district to convert former Eugene Field school property into expanded soccer and sports fields (7–8 fields), add parking and restrooms, and create a tournament‑ready complex; the lease must still be approved by the school board and attorneys.
McAlester — The City Council authorized staff to move forward on a proposed community lease with the public school district to convert the former Eugene Field school site into expanded park and sports facilities, including seven regulation and smaller youth soccer fields, parking, and restroom facilities.
Staff described a concept that would spread smaller youth fields through tree‑dotted parkland and include larger regulation fields suitable for tournaments, which proponents said could attract regional events and hotel stays. The school district and local soccer organizers have discussed contributions; volunteers and community groups offered to help with dirt work, mowing and maintenance.
Councilors and staff discussed logistics: removing old sidewalks and a deteriorated bathroom building, potential lighting needs for evening play, parking access from Mullen Park, and security concerns after vandalism of recent park restrooms. Staff noted the lease must be reviewed and approved by the school board and its legal counsel; the city would coordinate site preparation and grant opportunities.
The council voted unanimously to approve the motion to advance the lease discussion and to pursue the intergovernmental agreement process.
What’s next: The item will be placed on the school board agenda for their consideration (school board meeting on May 11); staff and partners will continue plans for site preparation, parking, and restroom consolidation pending the lease outcome.
