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Council hears multi-million-dollar concepts for Riverbend Park soccer complex; seeks soils testing and community partners
Summary
Parks staff presented four conceptual approaches for a proposed 11‑acre Riverbend Park Phase 3 soccer complex, with cost estimates ranging from roughly $7.1 million (basic hydroseed) to a synthetic‑turf option above $19 million. Council and residents pushed for a phased approach, soil testing and a public–private partnership strategy; Mayor Mosby directed staff to pursue lease termination, soils testing and a request-for-interest outreach to potential partners.
Parks staff presented conceptual designs for Riverbend Park Phase 3 and options to rehabilitate the city's existing soccer fields, telling council the project could range from a low‑cost hydroseed plan to a full synthetic‑turf complex.
"Phase 3 ... would cost approximately 19,000,908 and 75,000" in the staff slide, the presenter said, listing major-ticket items such as lighting, parking and restrooms. Staff also described lower‑cost alternatives (staff cited figures of $14,000,000–$14,425,000 for an intermediate concept and $7.1–$7.9 million for minimal approaches) and noted all estimates included a 25% contingency. Parks staff emphasized that soils testing and possible soil remediation would be required before the city could commit to construction.
Councilmembers and residents focused their questions on affordability and sustainability. "Currently, it's unfunded," the presenter said, noting grant eligibility limits and recommending the city pursue grants, bonds or a public vote if it opts for larger concepts. Councilmember Vega pressed for concrete funding steps: "Why don't we designate that we need to find $300,000 ... and go look for a public‑private partnership?" he said.
Public commenters urged the council to prioritize restrooms and repairs to existing fields rather than immediately pursuing a large, fenced tournament complex. Carl Jones, a long‑time resident, said a simple grass field and parking would meet most needs: "A toilet would be nice for down there," he said, arguing for phased, low‑cost improvements.
Mayor Mosby summarized council direction as three immediate staff tasks: pursue termination of the current tenant's lease on the ag land, commission soils testing to identify remediation needs, and issue a request for interest to solicit private partners and volunteer assistance. Staff said they would return with survey and soil data and seek designs that would enable staged implementation and volunteer participation.
Why it matters: Lompoc officials said the city lacks enough usable athletic turf to meet youth and adult demand; council members framed the decision as balancing community access, maintenance capacity and the potential for events that could bring visitors and local economic activity.
