SPOKANE -- Construction is nearly complete in North Spokane on the Joe Albi Sports Complex. Crews spent last year working on the voter-approved sports park. The $11 million project is set to open in August.
Crews have been able to turn what used to be rundown athletic fields into a 100 acre sports paradise. The new Merkel Sports Complex will meet the growing needs of youth athletics and recreation.
The backstops are up. The concession stands are in. It is now the small details that remain which is the grass and the asphalt.
The new Merkel Sports Complex represents 1/9 of the city's entire park space. Soccer, football, softball and baseball fields, a BMX track, a skate park, and a splash deck will open August 1.
Everything has been upgrading including the fields. They will be synthetic to cut down on maintenance costs. They will be lit as well to allow for nighttime sports. The fields had been maintained for 30 years by the Spokane Youth Sports Association. It supported the bonds that eventually led to construction.
