July 9, 2025
ISSUE 28
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SKIP SMITH
B.W. Lyon Field, home of the Eatonville Cruisers, is set for a major transformation with a new stadium, all-weather turf field, and upgraded track surface — all part of a project to modernize the historic facility for future generations of athletes and fans.
Stadium project ‘ready to move forward’ By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
Progress continues on the Eatonville School District’s longawaited community-use turf field, stadium, and track, with officials optimistic that site work will begin by the end of July. While the project has faced delays due to a required cultural resource review mandated by Gov.
Jay Inslee’s Executive Order 21-02, district leaders are working closely with the Recreation and Conservation Office to move things forward. “Our contractor is on standby and ready to move forward as soon as we receive the green light,” said Superintendent Jay Brower. The timeline remains largely on track. The field is still expected to be ready for use during the second half of the football season, with the
full stadium targeted for completion in late November or early December. District officials note that potential shipping or production delays could still impact the schedule. The project, made possible by a voter-approved capital levy, state grants, and community donations, includes a 1,227-seat stadium modeled after Forks High School’s, a black synthetic track,
upgraded lighting, new restrooms, play clocks in both end zones, a scoreboard near the tennis courts, and taller field goal posts. Once completed, the facility will be capable of hosting WIAA postseason events and invitational track meets — something previously out of reach for Eatonville. “The new Community Use Field, Track, and Stadium will be something Eatonville can truly be
State Parks: It’s time to get outside 11 counties, including Pierce, in line to benefit from grants Submitted OLYMPIA – This summer, thousands of Washington State youth will get a chance to step into an outdoor adventure, thanks to grants from Washington State Parks.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, in partnership with the state Recreation and Conservation Office, today announced the award of more than $1 million in grants to 15 organizations. The No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grants provide access for youth who experience barriers to the outdoors, supporting programs
that offer recreation and education opportunities. This year's grant cycle set a record, with 261 applications requesting $21.4 million in funding. By comparison, 174 applications requested $12.4 million in 2023. That year, $7 million was awarded to 109 projects. “Competition for these grants was very high. It shows how important these
grants are and how much need there is across the state,” said Megan Duffy, director of the Recreation and Conservation Office, which administers the grants. “Washington has some of the most incredible outdoor places. These grants will help introduce new generations to our mountains, rivers and forests and the benefits of spending time outdoors.” "Spending time outside does so much good for the mental and physical health of kids across Washington," said Diana Dupuis, Washington State Parks director. "We're grateful for the continued support of the
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proud of,” Brower said. “A space that reflects our shared values and commitment to excellence.” In a unique addition, the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad has donated a 16-foot-tall Paul Bunyan statue to the project. The district is considering placing the towering figure near the locker room doors into the school building.
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