Centralia Approves $1M Grant for New Borst Park Stadium Lights
URGENT UPDATE: The Centralia City Council has just announced a significant upgrade for the Borst Park Softball Complex, approving a $1,000,050 grant from the Washington State Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) to replace outdated stadium lights. This decision, made unanimously during a council meeting on Tuesday night, signals a vital enhancement for local sports.
Construction for the new lights is set to begin in August 2026, with staff planning to solicit bids for the project in the first quarter of 2026. Unfortunately, the new lights will not be operational in time for the 2026 spring softball season, leaving players and fans awaiting a brighter future at the softball complex.
The existing stadium lights were removed in 2023 due to the deteriorating condition of their wooden poles. This issue gained public attention when the 2B District 4 softball championship game between Pe Ell-Willapa Valley and Raymond-South Bend was suspended due to darkness after just six innings. The teams returned the following day to finish the game, with Raymond-South Bend eventually winning 16-12.
The total cost for the lighting project is projected at approximately $1.5 million. The city is responsible for $450,000 of that amount, which includes $250,000 from TransAlta and an estimated $200,000 in savings through collaboration between the city’s lighting and parks departments for installation.
This upgrade is not merely a technical fix; it represents a commitment to enhancing the community’s sports facilities and ensuring safe play for athletes. The council’s approval comes at a critical time, reflecting the city’s dedication to improving local infrastructure amid growing concerns about sports safety and community engagement.
As the project moves forward, residents are encouraged to stay informed about timelines and developments. The anticipation for the new stadium lights is palpable, and their installation will mark a new chapter for the Borst Park Softball Complex, promising to illuminate the field for many exciting games to come.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the city prepares for the upcoming bidding process and construction phases.
