The City of Richmond announced progress on new multi-use sports fields being constructed at Shields Reid, Wendell and Boorman parks.
All three fields are designed for players aged 12 and under, measuring about 70 to 80 yards in length. The projects were launched in the wake of ongoing pressure from local youth organizations and the community for better athletic facilities, and greater access to them. City officials expect all three sites to be open for play by the summer of 2026.
Construction at Shields-Reid Park is roughly 30 percent complete, according to the City Manager’s latest newsletter. The facility will feature high-quality synthetic turf, allowing for year-round play without weather-related closures. The project also includes professional lighting and a new scoreboard. It’s part of a larger revitalization of the park aimed at providing modern, safe spaces for North Richmond residents.
At Wendell Park, work is about 5 percent finished, the city stated. This project focuses on a natural turf field suited for youth soccer and small leagues. Upgrades include a prefabricated restroom and new fencing to improve the park experience for families.
Meanwhile, Boorman Park is 20 percent complete. This natural turf field is part of a full renovation of the four-acre site, including soil remediation, walking paths and fitness stations.
These projects arrive after long-running concerns over a shortage of space in the city for youth sports. A 2010 assessment identified a need for 19 additional soccer fields, yet very few were built in the following years. In July 2023, hundreds of players and coaches rallied at City Hall to demand more investment. That advocacy continues today, as local clubs also push for lower reservation fees and policies that prioritize Richmond-based teams over outside organizations.