December 3, 2021 4:20 a.m.
The Roseburg City Council approved the submission of a federal grant application that could lead to the transformation of portions of Stewart Park into a modern regional sports complex, during a special meeting via Zoom, on Thursday afternoon.
Information from staff said the U.S. Economic Development Association has developed a competitive grant program to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Funds are available to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future.
After the council initially approved the idea of submitting a grant in October, staff has been busy working with consultants and community partners to prepare the grant application. The intent is to make a long list of improvements in the park. That includes to the tennis facility where outdoor courts would be reconfigured and resurfaced, existing basketball courts would be removed and new ones constructed nearby, new outdoor tennis and pickle ball courts would be built and much more. Electric vehicle charging stations would be added and improvements to the parking lot are on the list as well. Other ideas are replacing existing softball fields with turf, and removing and replacing a section of the multi-use path near the softball fields.
Across the South Umpqua River, two existing soccer fields would be replaced with turf; and lighting, fencing, a spectator facility and covered team seating would be added. Existing restrooms near the soccer facility would be renovated and a new parking area and multi-use path would be added between the west parking area and the Umpqua Valley Arts Center. A number of other items are in the proposal as well.
The total project is slated to cost just over $12.35 million dollars. Councilors are asking for a federal grant of just under $10 million dollars, with nearly $2.5 million coming from city funds.
Staff said the EDA may not decide where to award funds until next fall. That means construction would take place in the following years if Roseburg is awarded the money.
The council meeting lasted only 17 minutes. The next regular council meeting is set for December 13th.