August 4, 2025 3:40 a.m. 

The Roseburg City Council has a special meeting Monday night, as discussion continues regarding a proposal to turn a section of the Fir Grove Park soccer fields into two turfed fields.

The idea received a lengthy amount of debate at last week’s council meeting, but no decision was made. Staff are asking for authorization to seek grant funding to help pay for the project, which is estimated to cost $3 million. The plan is to ask for $1 million each from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Umpqua Health Alliance.

The idea of turf fields for soccer has been around for years, but this is the farthest a plan has progressed to this point. Supporters have pointed to turf as being better for year-round play and leading to the potential of Roseburg being able to host tournaments that would bring in teams from around the region. Some opponents have cited possible environmental concerns with turf including its overall safety and the potential for the product to eventually break down. The proposed turf area would be adjacent to the South Umpqua River.

Councilors will begin their meeting at 6:00 p.m. with a brief tour of the current soccer fields. Next, the group will check out the turf field at Roseburg High School. The meeting will continue at 7:00 p.m. in the Umpqua Room of the Public Safety Center on Southeast Douglas Avenue.

The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page and can be seen later at www.cityofroseburg.org