Lacey's Director of Parks provided a comprehensive update to the city council regarding the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) Phase 3 Design Concept on Tuesday, April 23.
Jen Burbidge underscored the importance of addressing the shortage in athletic fields, with the Lacey Park system currently only 35% developed according to the comprehensive plan.
Phase 3 development aims to provide more access to sports fields for community sports user groups, thereby alleviating identified shortages in athletic field availability.
“It's really important to acknowledge that there are two different types of stakeholders: the general community and the sports user group,” explained Burbidge.
An interesting distinction emerged between the preferences of the general community and sports user groups regarding the location and type of fields needed.
While the general public expressed interest in Rainier Vista Park and the RAC for increased field access, sports user groups favored the RAC, particularly for fast pitch, softball, and baseball.
The discussion also focused on community feedback, stakeholder interests and potential options for developing the complex.
Burbidge highlighted the extensive outreach conducted in 2021 and 2022, which informed both the comprehensive plan update and the 2023 RAC financial plan presented to the council in August of the same year.
The financial plan includes a section dedicated to the expansion, or Phase 3, of the RAC. It proposes additional athletic fields and commercial partnerships to enhance sports and wellness opportunities within the community.
The presentation also addressed programming considerations, with challenges in accommodating tournament requests at the RAC due to limited space.
Three distinct options were presented, each focusing on different sports and activities: fastpitch/baseball, soccer, and indoor sports facilities.
Burbidge said staff recommends pursuing Option One, emphasizing a fastpitch/baseball focus for Phase 3 development.
According to Burbidge, this approach aims to address current needs by providing multi-use fields, accommodating a wood-bat baseball league, and facilitating community events such as concerts.
Additionally, Burbidge proposed converting an existing grass field at the RAC to synthetic turf to enhance field availability for soccer and other sports.
On August 17, 2023, the Lacey City Council approved the 2023 – 2043 RAC Financial Plan. Among its provisions is a segment titled "Future Development of Phase 3," which suggests completing the master plan based on public input and advice concerning best practices.
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