Dwight Merkel Sports Complex

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Merkel Sports Complex is the ideal example of how a community park/sports complex evolves from citizens’ ideas to a fully operational community park, sports complex, and economic development facility. In 2002 Spokane Parks and Recreation Department commissioned RWD to conduct a Fatal Flaw Analysis, Market/Financial Analysis, and a Concept Master Plan. In 2006 the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department hired RWD to conduct a detailed master plan process with public input. RWD received a standing ovation from workshop participants at the final workshop. Based upon RWD’s master plan and project costs, Spokane Parks proposed the sports complex as part of a city-wide parks bond which passed with 67% of the electorate voting in favor.

In 2007 Spokane Parks again retained RWD to prepare construction documents, obtain permits, and administer construction for the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex consisting of five illuminated softball fields, two illuminated synthetic multipurpose (soccer/ football/rugby/lacrosse) fields, 6 high performance natural turf multipurpose fields, a 20,000 square foot skate park, splash pad, an illuminated regional BMX track, a neighborhood park, maintenance center, 1000 parking stalls, utilities, and a highly efficient irrigation system utilizing reclaimed water. 

This successful project creates a unique park character, provides four-season recreation opportunities, and concentrates parking/roads, thereby fostering a safe, popular pedestrian environment. Merkel Sports Complex was recognized by the Washington Recreation and Park Association as the “2011 Sports Complex of the Year”. Spokane Parks asserts the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex is so well designed, popular, and well managed that the complex generates a net positive income.