Though it may prove to be a long process, the wheels are turning on a plan that — if realized — would provide Scotts Valley High School with a state-of-the-art sports complex.
The organization, Scotts Valley Sports Complex (SVSC) — a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is working with the community and the Scotts Valley Unified School District toward a goal of building a privately funded sports stadium and aquatic center at Scotts Valley High School.
The proposed project encompasses four fundraising and building phases which will culminate to complete the Scotts Valley Sports Complex.
The project will not be cheap, as costs for the facility are estimated to run $9.25 million. How quickly funding can be raised will be the major deciding factor as to the timetable of completion of each phase.
According to the SVSC Web site, the first phase calls for $750,000 to light the main playing fields to allow night games to be played at home.
The second phase calls for $1.5 million to construct stadium bleacher seating for both home and visiting crowds.
The third phase calls for $2.5 million to install a high-usage playing field, all-weather track, press box, and outbuildings for ticket sales and concessions.
The final phase calls for the construction of a $4.5 million aquatics facility that will feature a 25-yard by 10-lane lap pool that meets swim team and water polo regulations, and includes a full deck, spectator seating, showers and changing rooms, fencing, and a pump house.
According to SVUSD Superintendent Penny Weaver, the district recently entered into an memorandum of understanding with the organization. The funds for the facilities’ construction will be raised privately, she said, and will not come from district funds.
“The district’s contribution will be staff time and legal fees,” Weaver said.
She said that the track and field will be built out of the existing site, and that the district still has the environmental impact studies on file from when the school was originally constructed in the late 1990s.
An addendum to the existing EIR has already been drafted, and would be brought before the school board before the end of the current school year.
Weaver said that she was heartened to see the support already given to the proposal.
“There’s so many people that can use (the new complex),” she said. “Almost half of our students participate in some kind of activity.”
The proposed complex would also allow much more flexibility as to when, how, and if SVHS can host sporting events.
Currently, the lack of lighting restricts Falcon teams to playing day games.
“We’ve never been able to have night games,” Weaver said.
According to the SVSC Web site, more than $85,000 has already been raised.
Weaver also noted that, during the whole process, neighboring communities would be consulted in order to minimize the impact that the improved sports facility might have — such as increased lights and traffic during evening hours.
“We want to be good neighbors,” she said.
For more information, visit http://www.supportsvsc.org.
