Woodland's $10 million parks and sports complex project got a big boost recently when the state awarded it $500,000.

The money will more than double the $200,000 or so that had previously been raised, said Darlene Johnson, a member of the Woodland Rotary, which is raising the money for the project.

"Isn't that awesome?" Johnson said of the outlay from the state's capital budget.

When completed, the Scott Hill Park and Sports complex will include nine baseball, softball and soccer fields, a walking trail, a covered area, green space and a playground. It will be located along Scott Hill Road, a spur off Old Pacific Highway near the city police station.

The city already has purchased land for the complex, Johnson said. The new state money will finance Phase 2 of the project, which will involve construction of infrastructure such as water lines and roads. That will accelerate fundraising through steps such as naming rights to fields and facilities, Johnson said.

"Until you have infrastructure it is hard to raise money," Johnson said.

She credited the area's 20th District legislators — state Reps. Ed Orcutt (R-Kalama), Richard DeBolt (R-Centralia) and state Sen. John Braun (R-Centralia) — with helping to secure the $500,000 capital outlay. State Rep. Ann Rivers, a La Center Republican who used to represent eastern and southern Cowlitz County, also aided the effort, Johnson said.

Rotary Club of Woodland, the City of Woodland, and local community members and businesses have been working to create a self sustaining sports complex and community park since December 2010. Rotary Club responsible for raising funds for and developing the park. Once the park opens, the club will turn it over to the city to maintain.

 

Source : tdn.com

 

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