Let the Kids Play!

Bringing High-Quality Turf Fields to Our Community – A Vision for Safe, Year-Round Play

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Turf Field Development at Pershing Middle School and Allied Gardens/Lewis Middle School Joint Use Area – “Let the Kids Play Initiative”

This proposal seeks funding and approval for the development of two new artificial turf fields at Pershing Middle School and the Allied Gardens/Lewis Middle School Joint Use Area. These fields will transform currently undeveloped dirt lots, which are largely unused, into high-quality, multi-sport play spaces for students, local youth leagues, and community members. The project will expand access to safe, year-round recreational facilities and support growing sports such as lacrosse and flag football.

The estimated total cost is $4 million ($2 million per joint use area). The project is set to begin on June 1, 2026, with an estimated completion timeline of two months.

Project Goals & Objectives

1. Develop Unused Space into Functional Play Areas
   • Convert underutilized dirt lots into modern, multi-sport artificial turf fields.
   • Provide safe and structured play areas that meet the needs of schools and the community.
2. Expand Access to Recreational Opportunities
   • Increase field availability for school athletics, after-school programs, and community sports organizations.
   • Establish a shared-use schedule to ensure equitable access for all user groups.
3. Support Growing Sports & Youth Development
   • Create dedicated spaces for lacrosse and flag football, two fast-growing sports that currently have limited field access.
   • Strengthen school athletic programs and encourage youth participation in structured sports.
4. Sustainable & Cost-Effective Facility Management
   • Reduce ongoing maintenance costs associated with dirt lots (e.g., dust control, grading, erosion management).
   • Utilize modern artificial turf technology to ensure long-term durability and lower water usage.

Pre-Approval Process

A feasibility study conducted by the City will confirm the suitability of these locations for field development. The project will also need to receive initial approval from the school board, pending funding and final design approval.

Scope of Work

The project will include:

• Site Preparation: Grading and leveling of undeveloped dirt areas, installation of proper drainage systems.
• Turf Installation: High-performance artificial turf designed for multi-sport use, with necessary field markings.
• Lighting & Accessibility: Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting (if needed) and safe access points for players and spectators.
• Community Engagement: Collaboration with local sports organizations and schools to develop fair-use scheduling and programming.

Estimated Budget

• Pershing Middle School Turf Field: $2 million
• Allied Gardens/Lewis Middle School Turf Field: $2 million
• Total Estimated Project Cost: $4 million

Funding sources may include school district capital improvement funds, city park and recreation grants, state and federal infrastructure funding, and private sponsorships from local businesses and sports organizations.

Project Timeline

Phase	Timeline
Feasibility Study	May 2025-July 2025
Board Approval	August 2025 – September 2025
Planning & Design	September 2025 – March 2026
Permitting & Final Approvals	March 2026 – May 2026
Construction Start	June 1, 2026
Field Completion	August 2026 (estimated)
Community Opening	August 2026

Community Impact & Benefits

• Maximizing Unused Land: Transforms undeveloped dirt lots into valuable recreational spaces.
• Year-Round Playability: Turf surfaces allow for consistent use without issues caused by weather or field maintenance.
• Equity & Inclusion: Provides structured athletic opportunities for lacrosse and flag football, ensuring all sports have access to high-quality facilities.
• Youth & School Sports Growth: Supports school teams and youth leagues, promoting active lifestyles and positive community engagement.

Next Steps & Call to Action

We seek final funding commitments from key stakeholders, including city officials, school district leadership, community organizations, and potential donors. A Field Development Task Force will oversee planning, fundraising, and project execution.

We welcome further discussions on collaboration and funding opportunities to bring this project to life.

For more information or to schedule a meeting, please contact: President@missiontrailslax.com