This project proposes extending the use of the school’s southwest activity fields through the development of all-weather rectangular fields with practice lights and one all-weather baseball infield through a partnership with Spokane Youth Sports Association (SYSA), which has long desired the construction of a multiuse sports complex in the south Spokane area.

SYSA would have priority use of the fields when not in use by SPS. Existing parking and restroom facilities at the location also create efficiencies for community use.

SYSA would provide capital for field development. SPS would pay for maintenance and operations, and SPS students would have access to use these fields during the school day and for after-school activities. Parks would provide maintenance for all-weather fields located on SPS property using established Parks infrastructure, and additional programming opportunities.

By developing this site with all-weather turf and practice lighting, use of these fields could be extended. Due to our area’s seasonal weather conditions, current school fields and most park fields are not accessible between late fall and early spring. Practice and gameplay can only be scheduled during daylight hours, which is also limited during this timeframe. These amenities would create more opportunities for local youth to participate in organized outdoor activities, aligning with the district’s Engage IRL initiative to increase student participation in extracurricular activities.

Additionally, a sports complex with multiple fields could introduce the potential to attract and host large regional tournaments that create economic vitality and allow residents to participate in these tournaments without out of city travel.