photo by: Bremen Keasey

Construction should begin later in the year at Lawrence's Youth Sports Complex, located at 4911 W. 27th St., on a project that will convert some grass fields to turf fields and add more parking space.

Though the fields are covered in snow for now, come the fall, Lawrence’s Youth Sports Complex should have new turf ready for the fall soccer season.

Upgrades to the complex, located at 4911 W. 27th St., will include four new turf fields, outdoor lights and additional parking and another entrance and exit on the west side, said Mark Hecker, an assistant director with the Parks, Recreation and Culture department.

The projects, which will total around $3.6 million, were approved by the City Commission on Tuesday night. One of the items is a construction bid to Precision Construction and Contracting LLC for $3,017,985.12 to convert six of the complex’s 15 fields into four turf fields. Those fields will be able to accommodate two regulation adult soccer fields, four U12 & U10 youth soccer fields or two youth football fields.

The other item approved was a $593,000 outdoor lighting system from Musco Sports Lighting LLC.

Hecker said the upgrades will allow for increased use of the fields by groups like the Lawrence Adult Soccer League and Sporting Kaw Valley Soccer Club. Not only will the turf fields mean fewer weather-related cancellations, but the lights will also extend the time when teams can practice in the spring and fall.

“It’s a huge upgrade,” Hecker said.

Additionally, Hecker said the expanded parking lot will ease some of the traffic around the complex for the families during games or tournaments.

Hecker said the construction on the new fields and parking area is expected to start in the spring, but will depend on the weather. The whole project should be finished by the start of the fall soccer season.