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City moves Transcendence Theater stage at Field of Dreams to reduce neighborhood noise
Summary
City staff briefed the commission on Field of Dreams site improvements that include relocating the Transcendence Theater stage, adding drainage and an all-weather surface, and a condensed performance schedule intended to reduce noise impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
City staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission that the Transcendence Theater Company will return to Field of Dreams for the 2026 season with site modifications meant to reduce the noise impacts that generated neighbor complaints in prior seasons.
Staff said the city council authorized use of the Field of Dreams for the 2026 season and directed staff to pursue mitigation measures. After evaluating sound barriers, speaker orientation and other options, staff landed on relocating the stage to a lower area adjacent to Peterson Field to redirect sound toward hillside terrain rather than toward nearby neighborhoods.
Work completed before the season included removing and reconfiguring an old backstop, regrading roughly 15,000 square feet to create a level surface, reconfiguring irrigation lines, installing underground drainage that connects to the storm system and the addition of a bioretention basin to capture runoff. Staff said more than 10,000 square feet of new all-weather surface was installed to support the stage, improve ADA access and allow more year-round use of the area.
The theater’s 2026 schedule is more condensed than prior years: load-in began May 12 and the season includes three productions (one each in June, July and August) so the field is clear for sports users sooner. Staff said the configuration and schedule aim to reduce the period of highest noise exposure for nearby residents.
Commissioners asked whether the current power plan would continue to rely on a generator; staff replied that conduit and sleeves were installed and the long-term plan is to move to permanent power and reduce generator dependence. Commissioners also asked about wildlife impacts and sound monitoring; staff said decibel monitoring is planned to track sound at relevant distances and adjustments will be made during rehearsals and early performances.
Staff thanked contractors and community contributors for donated labor and design work, naming Saris Corporation and Chad Moll Design among those involved. Staff said they will evaluate how the new configuration performs this season and return with any recommended tweaks before next year.
No formal action was taken. Staff invited commissioners and neighbors to attend upcoming rehearsals and the first performance to assess how the changes affect sound levels and local impacts.
