Eatonville's Stadium, Field, and Track Project Set to Break Ground by Late July

Progress continues on the Eatonville School District’s long-awaited community-use turf field, stadium, and track, with officials optimistic that site work will begin by the end of July.

B.W. Lyon Field, home of the Eatonville Cruisers, is set for a major transformation with a new stadium, all-weather turf field, and upgraded track surface—all part of a project to modernize the historic facility for future generations of athletes and fans. Photo: Skip Smith

While the project has faced delays due to a required cultural resource review mandated by Gov. Jay Inslee’s Executive Order 21-02, district leaders are working closely with the Recreation and Conservation Office to move things forward.

“Our contractor is on standby and ready to move forward as soon as we receive the green light,” said Superintendent Jay Brower.

The timeline remains largely on track. The field is still expected to be ready for use during the second half of the football season, with the full stadium targeted for completion in late November or early December. District officials note that potential shipping or production delays could still impact the schedule.

The project, made possible by a voter-approved capital levy, state grants, and community donations, includes a 1,227-seat stadium modeled after Forks High School’s, a black synthetic track, upgraded lighting, new restrooms, play clocks in both end zones, a scoreboard near the tennis courts, and taller field goal posts. Once completed, the facility will be capable of hosting WIAA postseason events and invitational track meets—something previously out of reach for Eatonville.

“The new Community Use Field, Track, and Stadium will be something Eatonville can truly be proud of,” Brower said. “A space that reflects our shared values and commitment to excellence.”

In a unique addition, the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad has donated a 16-foot-tall Paul Bunyan statue to the project. The district is considering placing the towering figure near the locker room doors into the school building.

“It’s like their kind of luck thing,” Brower said. “The thought is that we would place this where our athletes—or anyone coming out of the locker room—can touch the butt of the axe as they head to the field to mentally prepare for the game or event.”

The multi-use turf field will not only include lines for football and soccer, it will also have lines for flag football. Although the district is not currently planning to add girls’ flag football—recently sanctioned by the WIAA—it is open to working with community and allied sports organizations to maximize use of the space. “While we are not looking to add flag football right away, we are open to discussions about flag football and other opportunities for students and the community,” said Brower.

Community members have asked about the status of the ticket booth and concessions areas. While final designs are still in progress, district officials have committed to ensuring enough space for student groups to continue their game-day food traditions.

“These events are about more than athletics—they’re about community,” Brower said.

The new facility replaces an 88-year-old wooden stadium and a natural turf field that frequently turned to mud during the rainy season. Cracks in the current track and poor drainage have long prevented the school from hosting postseason events or invitationals.

“That all changes, starting now,” Brower said. “Soon, our students will actually have the home field advantage and compete at all levels.”