The Twisp Sports Complex is still under construction, but some fields will be open this spring.
After seven years of planning, new baseball and soccer fields have taken shape in recent months at the Twisp Sports Complex near the Twisp Municipal Airport.
Lush green grass, an in-ground irrigation system, batting cages and fencing around the baseball field are in place. The fields will be ready for players next spring after the grass is fully established.
The baseball diamond and soccer field are the first phase of a sports complex that the town began considering in 2014. It will provide a venue for local school teams to practice and compete, as well as league and tournament play.
“It’s going to be an asset to the community for generations,” said Andrew Denham, Twisp public works director. “I’m privileged and honored and thankful to be part of it.”
Work on the project began after the town awarded a contract last spring to Northwest Turf Solutions Inc. of Moses Lake, which has extensive experience in developing sports complexes, Denham said. “This contractor is by far the best in the industry. We were very fortunate,” he said.
The town received a grant of $620,000 from the state Recreation and Conservation Office for the project. Additional funds came from a $65,000 contribution from the Methow Valley School District, which will use the facility for some of its sports activities. The town contributed $48,000 to the project.
Plans for future developments at the sports complex include another soccer field and another baseball diamond, restrooms, a concessions stand, walking and running trails, and perhaps tennis and pickeball courts, Denham said. Next phases will be developed as funding becomes available, he said.
He said the town hopes the community will become involved in helping provide amenities like bleacher seating for spectators.
