Key Takeaways
- Apple Valley is building a $7.1 million youth athletic complex featuring four baseball and softball fields in a wheel-shaped layout with covered dugouts, irrigated turf, and lighting for evening games.
- The project is funded through a 2023 voter-approved parks referendum that authorized $73.25 million in bonds to upgrade the city’s park system, recreation facilities, and trails.
- ISD 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district) is partnering with the city by providing land from the Westview Elementary School site, giving students access to the new facilities for physical education and recess.
- Multiple youth sports organizations will share the complex, including Valley Athletic Association, Eastview Athletic Association, and ISD 196 high school teams competing in softball, soccer, lacrosse, and football.
- Construction is scheduled to begin with field seeding this spring, with project completion expected by early 2027.
Referendum-Funded Youth Sports Infrastructure
The Hayes Youth Athletic Complex, located at 14603 Hayes Road, represents one of several major improvements funded by Apple Valley’s 2023 parks bond referendum. Voters approved the two-question referendum authorizing more than $73 million in bonds to fund improvements across the city’s parks, recreation facilities, and trails.
According to Tom Lawell, city administrator for Apple Valley, “In 2023, voters approved a $73.25 million park bond referendum to upgrade the city’s park system.” The youth athletic complex accounts for approximately 10% of the total referendum investment.
Four-Field Wheel Design and Facility Features
The complex will feature four baseball and softball fields arranged in a wheel pattern near the Apple Valley Community Center. Eric Carlson, director of parks and recreation for Apple Valley, confirmed the facilities will include covered dugouts, irrigated turf, and lighting to accommodate evening games.
Project renderings also show batting cages, outfield fencing, flexible field spaces for soccer, football, or lacrosse, additional storage facilities, and an expanded parking lot to handle increased traffic from games and practices.
School District Partnership and Shared Access
The city is partnering with ISD 196, which owns part of the land where the complex is being built. The district is contributing land from the Westview Elementary School site at 225 Garden View Drive.
Once completed, Westview Elementary students will access the new facilities for physical education classes and recess. ISD 196 high school sports teams will use the complex for softball, soccer, lacrosse, and football programs.
Two nonprofit youth sports organizations will also operate at the complex. Valley Athletic Association serves students from ISD 196 communities, while Eastview Athletic Association offers sports programs to families within Eastview High School enrollment boundaries and the city of Apple Valley.
Naming Rights and Additional Park Projects
The complex sits near Wings Arena, formerly Hayes Arena, which secured a naming rights agreement with Wings Credit Union. Carlson noted the city is open to similar arrangements for the youth complex: “We are open to signing naming agreements on a number of city projects including the youth baseball/softball complex.”
The 2023 referendum is also funding a $16 million renovation of Redwood Park, which will include the city’s first inclusive playground, pickleball courts, basketball court, pool, and pool house with community meeting spaces. Redwood Park’s swimming pool could open in June, with the rest of the park scheduled for August completion.
via: Yahoo
photo: Homes.com
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
