Category Overview
Local Parks grants help protect these symbols of vibrant communities, providing places for families to gather and play and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in an era when people spend increasing amounts of their time inside. The WWRP is the largest source of local parks funding in Washington, helping communities fund the acquisition, development, and renovation of vital recreation areas and green spaces.
Project Highlights
Project: 1) lighting 5 baseball/softball fields and 2) providing 5 electronic scoreboards. Local funding exists to provide lighting and scoreboards for 3 fields. The lighting specifications will be designed to accomodate tournament and league play. Lighting fixture shields will be used to prevent splash over on to adjacent properties. The regional sports complex (67 acres) is a partnership between the City of Lacey and Thurston County. All jurisdictional zoning requirements have been obtained through developement and hearings examiner review. Phase I of the complex is now under construction, and Phase II, which includes the 5 baseball/softball fields, will be bid in 2004. Multiple sources of funds have been secured for this project: City of Lacey general funds, voter approved bonds, and citizen committee Lodging Tax; Thurston County conservation future and general funds; IAC grant for acquisition; Public Facilities District- State sales tax diverted to a district formed by Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. The PFD conducted an economic analysis to determine need and financial impact of this project. The results of the study indicate there are over 1,500 teams and 21,800 registered players within the PFD. Of the teams participating in league and tournament play, approx. 48% must leave the area to find adequate playing fields. Only 4 public baseball/softball fields with lights and 3 private fields exist within the PFD limiting all levels of play.