The Pierce College Raiders have found a new home at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, and it’s a field of dreams come true. After years of playing at various high schools and recreation centers, the Raiders now have a state-of-the-art complex to call their own.
The newly-reopened Field 1 features synthetic turf, a new backstop, field lighting, dugouts, expanded seating, batting cages, a press box, scoreboard, and more. The $7.6 million project, funded by both the city of Lakewood and Pierce College, has transformed the field into one of the best in the Northwest.
Coach Kevin Davis expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s one of the best fields in the Northwest.” The facilities meet NCAA standards and provide a permanent home for the Raiders, who previously played at Mount Tahoma High School.
The grand opening ceremony was a celebration of community and partnership, with hundreds gathering to witness the unveiling of the new complex. Mayor Jason Whalen and Pierce College chancellor Dr. Julie A. White spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in making the project a reality.
With the addition of infield turf on all four baseball and softball fields at Fort Steilacoom Park, the community now has access to year-round baseball. The project represents a significant milestone for both the college and the city, providing a positive impact for local baseball from little league all the way up.
As the Raiders settle into their new home, it’s not just an opening – it’s a homecoming. The fields at Fort Steilacoom Park hold a special place in the history of Pierce College baseball, dating back to the 1970s. Now, with a top-notch facility to call their own, the Raiders can continue to build on that legacy for years to come.