Community leaders, including Supervisors Ed Scofield, Lisa Swarthout and Sue Hoek, met Wednesday for a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Gary D. Clarke Field by Magnolia School in Grass Valley.
The field, which has a new synthetic turf, is used daily by an array of groups for soccer, flag football, baseball and more. Sandy “Jake” Jacobson, a member of the South County Municipal Advisory Council and retired recreation professional, said the field brings residents together. “It helps build community when you’re not leaving your community to engage in activities.”
Previously, the field was well used, frequently muddy, and full of holes. “Have you ever seen a carpet that’s 30 years old?” joked Jacobson.
All the leaders said the field renovations were needed. "This is a great resource for our children to come out here and enjoy and play," said Jeff Pettitt, another South County Municipal Advisory Council member.
The renovation was made possible with funding provided through Nevada County’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation for Community & Economic Resiliency and the Prop 68 State of California Parks and Water Bond. In total, the project received $277,952 in grant support.