Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regional Athletic Complex topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lacey board hears $7.4M plan to convert soccer field to turf; council to review financing June 9
Summary
City staff presented a 60%→90% design update for the Regional Athletic Complex that would convert one grass soccer field to synthetic turf, add lights and spectator seating, and carry a base-bid estimate of up to $7.4 million with ad alternates that could raise the total to $10.9 million; staff said PFD funding is expected and debt must be issued by June 2027.
City staff updated the Parks, Cultural, and Recreation Board on June 3 about the Regional Athletic Complex design as the project moves from 60% toward 90% completion. Director Jen Burbage and a consultant, Brett, said the base-bid scope focuses on converting Soccer 2 from natural grass to synthetic turf, adding lights to extend hours, increasing spectator seating near Soccer 1 and upgrading fencing and baseball netting.
Brett opened the presentation, saying “not a whole lot has changed since the 30%,” and outlined three ad alternates under consideration: Wi‑Fi upgrades for fields and concessions, hardscape improvements at the baseball complex, and additional soccer-field fencing. Burbage told the board the city remains “on track at no more than $7.4 million for this base bid” with ad alternates that could add up to $3.5 million, bringing a maximum project total to about $10.9 million.
Why it matters: staff identified Public Facilities District (PFD) funding as the primary source for the work and said the city’s finance director confirmed sufficient debt capacity. To preserve the window for PFD-backed financing, staff said the city would need to issue debt no later than June 2027 because an existing debt schedule otherwise creates constraints.
Staff emphasized operational benefits that drove the design choices: synthetic turf and lighting would extend field hours for community groups and tournaments; Wi‑Fi upgrades would support tournament directors, score updating and concession card readers; and improved paving and circulation at the baseball complex aim to reduce maintenance and improve accessibility.
Next steps: staff will present a similar briefing to the City Council at a June 9 work session and plan to reach 100% design by the end of the year if the schedule holds. Board members asked clarifying questions about tournament needs, concession connectivity and whether streaming or other uses could be supported by the planned upgrades. No formal board vote occurred on the funding plan or the designs at this meeting.
