Merced’s $10 million regional sports complex nears completion. Here’s what we know
The lights have been installed. The base of the football goal posts have been set up. Soon there will be green grass covering multiple soccer fields as the Merced Regional Sports Complex takes shape.
Merced City Parks and Recreation Director Christopher Jensen says phase two of construction of the $10 million project is expected to be completed in August with plans to open the nearly 40-acre park located at the corner of Mission Avenue and Tyler Road in south Merced in the fall.
He said the regional sports complex, also known as Community Park 42, started as an idea 20 years ago.
“The community seeing it come to fruition has really been awe inspiring of what we can do as a community when we come together, keep our standards high, and have high expectations for what we think we deserve in the community,” Jensen said. “People are thrilled with it. The biggest complaint that we get is, who’s going to get to use the fields first?”
Jensen said the new complex will be a jewel for Merced.
“It’s going to be the best facility by far that we have available in Merced,” he said.
The complex is expected to feature four soccer/football fields — which will all have lights — two full-size basketball courts, eight pickle ball courts and a futsal court. Futsal is a modified form of soccer played on a hard court.
The complex will also feature parking lots, restrooms and concessions.
Phase three of construction will add two tennis courts, two more soccer/football field, more parking lots and a walking path that surrounds the entire perimeter of the park with exercise stations along that route.
Jensen said the city is still securing funding for stage three of construction and those elements of the park will be added after the opening.
The bulk of the $10 million price tag for the sports complex is funded by $26.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act fund the city received in 2021.
Additionally, $650,000 came from the Merced County Office of Education for the futsal court; $300,000 from First Five for the construction of the playground, and money from the state through Prop 68 to pay for the restrooms.
The park’s proximity to Highway 59 and Highway 99, gives it the potential to serve as a catalyst for economic development while still serving the fundamental purpose of providing a first class regional sports complex, according to city leaders.
Finding the right location to build the park was key for city leaders.
“South Merced doesn’t see a connection between new growth in the community and their status as a more historical part of the overall city,” Jensen said. “This is definitely a major link to the growth out towards (UC Merced), and with that annexation and the development through Campus Parkway, connecting this facility in South Merced.”
Jensen said the facility will be available to local soccer clubs and recreation programs.
“We’re also looking to generate revenue to help with the cost of maintenance and operations at the facility so that’ll open it up for renting it out for tournaments on a regional basis,” Jensen said.
This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 10:28 AM.
