Tuolumne County Requests Money For Additional Standard Sports Fields
Standard, CA — The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors voted to submit an application in hopes of receiving up to $1-million in state grant money to construct additional sports fields along Standard Road.
The county would utilize 10 of the 50 acres being set aside for public benefit that the county will have access to as part of the planned Peaceful Oak Estates subdivision being developed by Sierra Pacific Industries. The county hopes to use the $1-million towards adding three soccer fields (two for older children and one for younger kids), a basketball court, small open grass area, 68-parking spaces, fencing and utilities.
The state indicates that around 150 to 200 grant applications are expected to be received…with awards given to about 60 projects. The county is agreeing to put up $175,000 towards the design and construction management costs…which will make Tuolumne County’s application more competitive. If approved, construction could start in the fall of 2017.
Board Chair Karl Rodefer noted, “I think things like this are huge attractors for people that have families to come live and work here. It will also bring sports activities from out of the county into the county, as well, with the leagues using some of the facilities. This is a great boon for our people, it’s a great boon for our economy, and local businesses.”
Eventually, as part of an overall $2.5-million conceptual plan for the 10 acres, the county, with community financial help, would like to add three more soccer fields (two for younger children and one for older kids), a restroom and concession stand, playground, walking trail, more parking and shaded picnic areas.
The grant application was approved 4-0, with District Three Supervisor Evan Royce absent. If the grant application is approved, construction could start around fall of 2017.
It was emphasized at the meeting that the remaining 40 acres available could be utilized at a future time for other types of sports fields and recreational projects.
