Work begins today on a $24.5 million state-of-the-art sports complex at Luther Burbank High School that is expected to stimulate the struggling economy around Florin Road.
When complete, the complex will include a football stadium bordered by an all-weather track, three soccer fields, two softball diamonds and two baseball fields, all with synthetic turf. There will be six lighted tennis courts, spectator seating, restrooms and a picnic area with shade structures.
Maria Lopez, Sacramento City Unified School District spokesperson, said the facility is expected to draw major tournaments and could bring in track and field events.
"They want to make sure it becomes the jewel of Florin Road," Lopez said.
Councilwomen Bonnie Pannell, who represents the area, said she is excited.
"You know about all the car dealerships that have closed on Florin Road," Pannell said. "Hopefully, this will spur economic development there."
Sacramento City Unified is partnering with the city of Sacramento to build and maintain the facility. Both have been faced with budget deficits in recent years that resulted in service cuts and layoffs.
So how can they afford it?
The cost of the first phase – $7 million – comes from Measure I funds that can be used only for building or modernizing school facilities, Lopez said. Measure I was passed by voters in 2002, bringing $225 million into the district.
The first phase will include improvements to the football field and track.
"Progress on the additional phases will move forward when money is secured from state bond money or other grants and private contributions," Lopez said.
So far, the city has spent $20,000 on the project during the planning stages, as well as numerous staff hours, said Jim Combs, parks and recreation director for the city.
Combs said the joint-use agreement between the city and the school district gives the high school priority use of the facility but allows the city to use it for sports leagues and lease it out when it's not in use.
"South Sacramento has a dearth of athletic fields, and this will give kids in the community opportunities," said Burbank Principal Ted Appel.
Appel said his school's football team had not been able to have many home games because of the condition of its field.
The improvements will vastly change the old sports fields at Burbank, which haven't been upgraded since their construction, Pannell said.
"It's about time this school gets upgraded," the councilwoman said. "It's very deserving."
Call The Bee's Diana Lambert, (916) 321-1090.
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