Sonoma County Alliance Soccer Club - Update on Petaluma's Soccer Fields

Vice Mayor David Rabbitt sent SCA an update on the status of the city of Petaluma's efforts to create and improve our local soccer fields. SCA is looking for an individual to represent our club to work with a citizen's group comprised of sports groups to fund raise for East Washington Park. If interested or want more information - email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Dear fellow soccer families,

In 2000, the City of Petaluma took the bold step of installing a synthetic turf soccer field at Lucchesi Park. For years, this was the only synthetic public field and it was truly the best place to play in the North Bay. As I know you realize, the field has had unprecedented use, especially in wet months, when multiple teams squeeze on the carpet in order to practice and prepare for State Cup, etc. Don Phoenix, who schedules fields for the city, reported recently that the Lucchesi Soccer field was reserved and scheduled by teams 363 days last year. The only days not reserved were New Year's and July Fourth (and even then, we can safely assume the field was used). I doubt if any park has two acres, which are as intensely utilized, as this field.

When the field was constructed and the carpet installed, the city wisely set aside a 'sinking fund' to be able to replace the carpet when it's 'anticipated' lifespan was over. No one thought we would have to replace the carpet only eight years later but as anyone who has been on the field lately knows, it is just about at the end of it's useful life. This last year, the city paid $1,200 on two occasions to have the field stripped. However, the plastic fibers are no longer long enough to hold the paint and we end up painting the rubber pellets and the play lines quickly vanish.

Four months ago, I asked the city to prepare a cost for carpet replacement and inquired about the sinking fund balance. The initial estimate for removing the existing carpet, prepping the base material as required and installing the latest generation of synthetic surface (with integral lines) was $450,000. The sinking fund, which anticipated a longer lifespan, has a balance of about half this amount. I am working to identify other funding and building consensus within the city to be sure this asset remains state of the art and our children have a safe and reliable place to play. I hope we can replace this surface within the next year.

Meanwhile, The City Council recently approved a budget transfer of $800,000 from our Community Facilities Fund to the proposed East Washington Park project to support ongoing design and construction documents. The Council also approved a contract for design services in the amount of $894,403. The design includes a phased approach for the park with phase one including three lit 'multi-purpose' (soccer, lacrosse) synthetic fields. Ideally, we can identify a funding source to construct the entire complex but we are hedging our bets to ensure we can get fields online within the earliest possible timeframe. The City successfully received a matching grant from the Open Space District for $2,000,000 as well and will apply for more grant monies in the upcoming budget cycle. Also, there is a citizen group at work to raise private capital to be sure the park becomes a reality in the near future. Personally, this park is a priority for me but I acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead with state and local budget woes including the water and sewer initiative on the ballot this November. As a city, we must continue to support our children and youth and provide much needed parks and fields. I hope this sheds a little more depth on these projects and I look forward to your continued support.

Sincerely,

David Rabbitt
Vice Mayor
City of Petaluma

David A. Rabbitt
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