Recreation complex nearly ready

With construction of its five softball and baseball fields 95 percent completed, Lacey Parks and Recreation is ready to begin another phase of the $15.6 million project.

Getting the word out.

A meeting about the new 68-acre Regional Athletic Complex that's on the corner of Marvin and Steilacoom roads will be at 7 p.m. today at the Lacey Community Center.

At the meeting, Sue Falash, the facility manager, will discuss guidelines and field opening dates, user costs and availability.

"Sue is in the process of meeting with user's groups to see what their needs are," Jim Sheler, director of Lacey Parks and Recreation. "We are starting to advertise. Our goal is to meet the needs of local leagues and fill weekends with tournaments."

Construction on the lighted softball/baseball fields began a year ago and they will be available for use in May or June.

"It all depends on how quickly the grass in the outfield comes in," Sheler said.

Sheler sees the facility as a potential site for regional and state tournaments.

Sheler has discussed with the owners of Skyhawks Park, formerly Bucknell Park, the prospects of collaborating on tournaments. Joe DiDomenico and Bernie Keller own Skyhawks.

"We've been meeting with them," Sheler said. "We have agreed to work with them. When they need fields to supplement we can help, or vice- versa."

The development of the park that was purchased in 1998 has been done in two phases. In phase one, four soccer fields, parking lots and restrooms were constructed.

Phase two included converting one of those original soccer fields into a synthetic field and adding two more soccer fields, giving the facility six.

A community park, a picnic area, walking trails and parking were added.

The five softball and baseball fields are lighted and have synthetic infields.

"It's going to be a tremendous facility for the local jurisdiction," Sheler said.

The synthetic soccer fields are already being used. Two new soccer fields that were recently resodded are expected to be available for play in September.

The synthetic infields of the softball and baseball fields will help avoid rainouts, a plus for tournaments.

"You can deal with wet outfields," Sheler said. "You can't deal with soggy infields."

The maintenance and operation of the complex is funded by the city of Lacey and Thurston County.

Thurston Country purchased 26 acres across the street two years ago and allows for further expansion of the RAC.

Sheler said he expects revenue to increase once the other soccer fields and ball fields are ready for play. However, the operating costs also will increase.

Gail Wood can be reached at 360-754-5443 or gwood@theolympian.com.