The Richmond United Soccer Club wants to turn a city-owned lot in Downtown Richmond that has been empty for 15 years into a hub for youth sports.
The Macdonald Mini-Fields Project is proposed for the large lot at Macdonald Avenue and 12th Street. The club aims to construct temporary soccer fields there in time for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in June.
Proponents say it would turn an underutilized, blighted space into a safe spot for kids and community programs while attracting people to the downtown area. It is also accessible to the BART station and other transit.
The soccer club is currently gathering support through a petition to show city leaders that residents want to see the land put to better use. Residents can find more details or sign the petition at the project website.
Youth soccer clubs and supporters have been advocating for more, better fields. The city recently touted progress on multi-use sports fields being constructed at Shields Reid, Wendell and Boorman parks.