Upgrades at Plantes Ferry Sports Complex aim to boost youth sports in Spokane

Spokane Valley just got a major upgrade in local sports facilities. The Plantes Ferry Sports Complex, a long-time hub for youth games and tournaments, has finished a decade-long makeover. The park sits between Wellesley Avenue and the Spokane River, offering 12 soccer fields, five baseball and softball diamonds, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Instead of focusing on big-name events, the revamped fields will mostly host young athletes in elementary and middle school leagues. The project cost $8. 3 million, with an extra $970, 000 coming from state funds. The biggest changes include new artificial turf on three regulation soccer fields, expanded parking, and bright LED lights that won’t disturb nearby homes. Smaller but important upgrades—like better drainage, walking paths, and fencing—were also added. These changes reflect Spokane County’s growing need for sports spaces as more families move to the area.Local leaders see this as more than just a facelift. Spokane’s youth soccer league, which serves over 2, 500 kids every year, will help maintain the fields. The group’s director called the upgrade a "game changer" for the community. Meanwhile, state officials hope the new park will help fight childhood obesity by giving kids more chances to play outside instead of staying indoors. One standout feature is the lighting system, designed to avoid light pollution. Unlike traditional stadium lights that can flood nearby neighborhoods, these LED lights focus only on the fields. Officials say this keeps the night sky clear while allowing games to run longer without disturbing residents. The park’s upgrades are just the first step. More improvements are planned, but it’s clear the community is excited. For now, the focus remains on keeping the fields in top shape for young athletes. With better facilities, the park could become a model for other youth sports programs in the region.