UPDATE: The Centralia City Council has just approved a groundbreaking contract with the Washington state Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) to secure a staggering $1,000,050 grant for the replacement of stadium lights at the Borst Park Softball Complex. This decision, made during a unanimous vote at Tuesday night’s meeting, marks a significant step forward for local sports infrastructure.
The city plans to initiate the bidding process for this vital project in the first quarter of 2026, with construction set to commence in August 2026. Unfortunately, this means the new stadium lights will not be operational in time for the 2026 spring softball season, leaving players and fans in the dark.
In 2023, the city faced a major setback when the previous stadium lights were removed due to the deteriorating condition of the wooden poles. However, city staff worked diligently to secure funding, successfully writing grants to facilitate this much-needed upgrade. The total estimated cost for the project is around $1.5 million, with the city expected to contribute $450,000 in financial obligations. This includes $250,000 received from TransAlta and projected savings of $200,000 through city departments assisting with installation.
The urgent need for this upgrade was highlighted earlier this year during the 2B District 4 softball championship game, when the match between Pe Ell-Willapa Valley and Raymond-South Bend was suspended due to darkness after just six innings. The teams resumed play the following afternoon, with Raymond-South Bend ultimately winning 16-12.
As construction plans unfold, local officials and community members are eagerly anticipating the positive impact of these new stadium lights on the softball complex. The upgrade is expected to enhance visibility for players and fans alike, ensuring future games can proceed without interruption.
Stay tuned for more updates as this project progresses. The community’s investment in sports facilities not only promotes local engagement but also fosters youth involvement in athletics, making this development crucial for Centralia’s vibrant sports culture.
