Yuba City is gearing up to chase a state revitalization grant that could bring up to $8.5 million to help build a new regional youth sports complex, city officials say. One leading concept under review would fold the former K-Mart site into neighboring Sam Brannan Park, creating roughly 24 acres of fields and amenities. City leaders emphasize that the grant does not require a local funding match and say residents will help decide what actually gets built.
What the city is proposing
Public Works Director Josh Wolffe told staff that one option on the table is to purchase the old K-Mart property and merge it with Sam Brannan Park to form a 24-acre complex featuring six to eight baseball diamonds, multiple soccer fields and designated space for food trucks. The city plans to apply for a state revitalization grant that could award as much as $8.5 million and notes that the program does not require matching funds. Officials have not committed to a final site and expect to hold about five public outreach meetings before the September application deadline, according to CBS Sacramento.
How state park grants work
State park and revitalization grant programs in California have focused on projects that expand recreation access in underserved communities, often paying for sports fields, playgrounds and aquatic facility upgrades. California State Parks and its Office of Grants and Local Services have managed multiple competitive funding rounds tied to Proposition 68 and earlier initiatives that aim to shrink park deserts across the state, according to California State Parks. That track record is part of why Yuba City officials believe their project could be competitive.
Leaders say it could grow tournaments and hotel stays
Mayor Marc Boomgaarden told reporters that many local families currently drive out of town for youth tournaments, and a regional sports complex could keep more of that activity and spending closer to home. “A lot of our kids travel out of the area to participate in soccer, baseball, other things,” he said, noting that a local complex could give a boost to nearby restaurants and hotels. Resident Liz Williams said she supports the idea because many kids enjoy sports, according to CBS Sacramento.
Next steps and public input
City staff say the upcoming outreach meetings will be used to refine cost estimates, select a preferred site and narrow down amenities to match community priorities. Options still being floated include a dog park, a mini-golf course at the aquatic park and a veterans-focused park along Bridge Street. If the grant application is approved, the city would then move into design, permitting and contractor selection before any construction work begins.
Sam Brannan Park has hosted recent upgrades
Sam Brannan Park has already seen recent recreation investments, including new bocce courts and other improvements, which supporters argue makes it a logical anchor for an expanded sports complex, according to Territorial Dispatch. The park has also been used for community events and Special Olympics practice, local sources say.
The city has not made any final commitments and plans to announce dates for public outreach sessions once they are set. Residents who want to weigh in are encouraged to watch upcoming council agendas and the city's news page for meeting notices. Yuba City staff aim to finalize a grant proposal ahead of the September deadline.
