After five years and $5.5 million, the Smith Sports Complex near Fort Lewis College opened Wednesday.
Rocky soil kept the fields shuttered for years, but as the sun set, Durangoans celebrated their completion on deep green grass by playing soccer, lacrosse, football and other games.
David Blake and his kids passed the field construction and rehabilitation for years on their way to day care. On Wednesday, he brought them out to see it and play Bocce Ball.
“We’ve been waiting for this place to open,” he said.
The fields surpassed his expectations, and he hoped his kids, Austin and Alexa, would get to play on the fields with their soccer teams.
The fields’ namesake, Duane Smith, a longtime Parks and Forestry Board member, said he was happy the city built a multipurpose complex as he suggested, because the popularity of sports is always changing.
“I am pleased for the kids of Durango,” he said.
He acknowledged the delayed opening was frustrating, but he was hopeful smooth sailing is ahead.
The 15-acre complex was dedicated in 2012, and the facility, including a playground, bathrooms, stands and concessions, were ready for crowds. However, rocky soil under the turf posed a safety risk and so the complex remained closed.
After trying aeration and manual rock removal, in 2015 the city tore up the grass and top soil to replant fields in preparation of a spring opening.
The renovations added about $900,000 to the total expense.
After the snow melted, it revealed voles had burrowed tunnels in the grass, so the city kept the fields closed through the summer to do more aeration and fertilization.
“We put a lot of resources into making sure they are ready for this day,” Director of Parks and Recreation Cathy Metz said.
This fall, youth soccer and lacrosse teams as well as FLC intramural teams will compete on the fields, Metz said.
The complex will also help meet the needs of different leagues next year when the Santa Rita Park field and the softball fields at FLC are closed for construction.
“It will make all the difference in the world,” she said.
Durango Youth Soccer Association players were among the first to use the fields in May when 140 soccer teams came to town for the tournament.
“It’s really nice to have the bulk of the tournament on the Fort Lewis campus,” said the association’s technical director, Kate Stahlin.
About 330 kids play on DYSA teams, and they will also be using the fields for practice and games in about two weeks.
Olivia Coster, 12, and her teammates who play on The Flash like the new field in part because it doesn’t smell like eggs, the way the Escalante Middle School does. Coster also approved of the grass.
“Its not too long, not too short,” she said.
In addition to serving sports leagues, the complex is also one of three major construction projects the city must build to fulfill a 50-year lease agreement the city has with the college. The softball and tennis courts scheduled to be rebuilt next year will fulfill the city’s commitment. Once rebuilt, the city will maintain all three facilities.
To make sure voles don’t damage the Smith Complex again, the city is looking into a scent that might deter them, said Scott McClain, parks and cemetery manager.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
