Youth sports complex plan is unveiled

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

RCDC unveils proposed sports complex

PENDLETON – The Round-Up City Development Corporation has formally announced it plans to work towards building the Pendleton Regional Youth Sports Complex. The complex will consist of baseball/softball and soccer fields and the goal is to provide facilities for local athletes and become a venue for youth sports tournaments.

RCDC President Joseph Hull said the plan will have many phases.

“Phase one would at a minimum put in five baseball fields and four to six soccer fields,” he said. “Phase two will finalize everything and put in grandstands and championship-level fields for both baseball and soccer.”

Hull said the funding for the second phase has not been determined. RCDC has already gained funding from a couple of sources and Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) is working to get state funding.

Hull said that Pendleton is a natural location to attract large youth sports tournaments.

“We have an incredible infrastructure of hotels rooms and restaurants,” he said. “This project could be busy from early spring through late fall and we are planning that it will be.”

The PRYS Complex will also feature an RV park that will be open all year. Hull said the land along Interstate 84 will offer visitors a great view. RCDC has submitted an offer on 127 acres of land.

“It is at the top of Rieth Ridge, where Airport Road comes into confluence with I-84,” he said. “The 127 acres will be a great and large enough space to put in phase one, phase two, the full-time year-round RV park, and have enough room for growth.”