Field Replacement Project at Happy Valley Park
In summer 2023, Parks and Recreation kicked off a significant project to help bring new sports fields to fruition. With Happy Valley Park a popular location for organized sports and leisurely play, it is understandable that highly sought after amenities like the sports fields would eventually need to be replaced. Over time, uneven ground emerges, bare spots become more noticeable, and general wear and tear occurs. This is all par for the course, even with proper care. A comprehensive project that will take some time to complete, the new sports fields are anticipated to be completed by the end of summer 2024.
Project Benefits
- updates to irrigation and drainage lines
- fencing and sign modifications
- infield upgrades to baseball field
- newly leveled soccer fields and grass
Impact to Park use
All multi-use soccer and baseball fields will be closed for league and competitive use for the duration of the project. Closure begins July 5 and continues through summer 2024. While the City recognizes this is a significant amount of time to close these multi-use areas, limiting access to the Park’s fields will ensure their optimal use once the project is complete.
Park restrooms and active areas such as sports courts, playgrounds, skate park, and off-leash dog areas will remain open as work continues. At present, the fields have been hydroseeded and the grass is thriving, and crews are working on finishing up the irrigation system. Residents may have spotted the recently installed tanks near the Public Works building; these large vessels are a crucial addition, as they will serve as a water reserve for the new fields, capable of producing an impressive 120 gallons per minute during waterings.
What to expect
Visitors to Happy Valley Park will notice increased dust, noise, and construction equipment onsite. Park goers are encouraged to be cautious when traversing the park’s pathways and exercise safe habits when crossing main thoroughfares as construction vehicles will be in active operation. Visitors utilizing the dog park areas or playgrounds nearest Picnic Shelter A may need to find alternative parking when southern lots are closed to vehicles. Please be respectful when parking in residential neighborhoods. Do not block resident driveways and be mindful of any parking signs.
Project completion
It will be important for the fields to remain off limits for an extended period. Foot traffic and other equipment will be prohibited or extremely limited while the newly planted grass is given time to germinate. The fields will gradually open for light recreational use this coming summer as the grass continues to take hold, however there will be no leagues or competitive play permitted on the field until fall 2024. The City will update this webpage as needed to communicate any changes to this plan.
Questions or concerns
Construction hours will be limited to Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm with occasional work occurring on Saturdays as needed. Residents and visitors to the Park who have questions or concerns about construction efforts are encouraged to contact the contractor directly.
Josiah Thomas
Western United Civil Group
1-360-450-7378
Residents may also wish to contact the Project Manager with any general questions.
Mark Aasland
Pace Engineering
[email protected]
Funding
Parks improvement projects, such as this one, are fully funded by the Happy Valley Parks Levy, which is voted on by residents every five years. This critical funding not only helps maintain our beloved recreational amenities but allows for their long-term accessibility by residents and visitors alike.