Soccer League Donates $35,000 to Pinole for Field Improvements

In a milestone toward renovating soccer facilities in Pinole Valley Park, the West Contra Costa Youth Soccer League presented the city with a $35,000 check on Thursday.

The donation will assist in $375,000 top-to-bottom improvements to playing areas at the park. League President Steve Wedman handed over a symbolic payment, in the form of an over-sized check, to Pinole Recreation Director Amy Wooldridge and Mayor Pete Murray at City Hall.

The improvements, including new sod, drainage, irrigation, fencing and team benches, have been designed and put out to bid, Wooldridge told a gathering of about 30 people in the Alex Clark Room at the Public Safety Building. Construction is expected to begin in June and to be completed in September, she said.

The all-volunteer soccer league serves kids from Pinole, Hercules, Crockett, Rodeo, El Sobrante and parts of Richmond and San Pablo.

The donation supplements funds for Pinole's portion of Measure WW bond revenues from the East Bay Regional Parks District. Pinole will receive $877,000 from the voter-approved measure, with part of it to be spent on a skate park.