History
The journey to create the Capital Soccer Fields, formerly known as the Blackhills Community Soccer Complex, began in the early 2000s as a dream held tightly by the families of the Blackhills Football Club. Their vision for a regional youth soccer complex was rooted in a shared commitment to providing children a space to play, learn, and grow through the beautiful game of soccer. However, turning that dream into reality would require years of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of the community.
The road to success was not without its obstacles. For years, families negotiated and renegotiated with neighbors to secure the necessary agreements, finally achieving a breakthrough when they signed the road and easement agreement. With a road access permit obtained from Thurston County, the preliminary work on the access road to the complex could finally begin. Thanks to the generous $1,500 donation from Black Hills Properties LLC, the team was able to hire Ron Wells to clear the easement. From that moment on, a small group of dedicated volunteers, including David Meyer, who operated a bulldozer donated by Scott Manke of Manke Lumber, LLC., tirelessly worked to clear the land. Day after day, they came together, handpicking and raking wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of sticks and rocks, turning what once seemed like an insurmountable task into a collective triumph.
The 585th Engineer Company from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), an active pipeline construction company and the only one of its kind in the country, had a unique mission: to build pipelines for advancing troops. Through the initiative of David Meyer and coordination with the U.S. Army, soldiers of the 585th volunteered their time to assist with the complex, taking on critical tasks such as preparing the site for planting grass and preparing the first half of the access road for paving. Their dedicated efforts not only contributed significantly to the project but also provided invaluable training experience for the platoon.
Just a couple of months after their vital work at the fields, the 585th deployed to Iraq. The community was rocked by the heartbreaking news that two of the soldiers who had played a crucial role in bringing the soccer complex to life lost their lives in battle shortly after their arrival. Their sacrifice was a poignant reminder of the deep bonds forged during that time and the unwavering community spirit that had driven the initiative. As the years rolled on, the families of Black Hills remained steadfast in their vision, honoring the fallen heroes and the sacrifices made in the name of their beloved complex. Their commitment to the fields grew even stronger, fueled by gratitude for the service and the memories of those who had selflessly contributed to the community's dream.
In 2007, the complex began to take shape, with hundreds of hours devoted to handpicking rocks and sticks from the fields. The community’s efforts bore fruit when they received generous donations of fertilizer and seed from local businesses. To everyone’s relief, the seeds sprouted, giving life to six lush fields of grass.
By 2008, excitement filled the air as the first mowing of the complex took place, signaling that their long-held dream was becoming a reality. The day when children would kick soccer balls across the vibrant fields was finally within reach. And by 2009, the vision had come to fruition, with 20 acres now seeded and ready for play.
The journey to this point was characterized by the unwavering dedication of the families of the Blackhills Football Club, who spent several years fundraising and donating to turn their dream into a reality. At the heart of this community effort was the Conrad family, who made an extraordinary commitment by using their home as collateral for the initial purchase of the property. Their bravery and belief in the project were pivotal; without their willingness to take such a significant risk, the soccer complex may never have come to fruition. Their legacy of support for youth sports and commitment to community development set the stage for the future of soccer in the region.
Another key figure in this endeavor was Kim Cross, a devoted member of the complex board who poured her heart and soul into making the complex a reality. Kim spent countless hours fundraising, securing donations, and advocating for the project. Her tireless efforts and unwavering determination inspired those around her, fostering a spirit of teamwork and collaboration among families in the community. Through her dedication, Kim helped galvanize support and ensure that the needs of the complex were met, paving the way for a facility that would serve as a cherished home for youth soccer for generations to come.
This remarkable journey, filled with hard work, collaboration, and community spirit, transformed the Blackhills Community Soccer Complex into the thriving Capital Soccer Fields. It stands today as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the families of the Blackhills Football Club, the sacrifices of the soldiers who supported them, and the commitment of individuals like the Conrad family, who risked everything to make the dream a reality.
The legacy of the Capital Soccer Fields continues to enrich the lives of young athletes and families in the area, serving as a regional complex for youth soccer that hosts approximately 800 matches each year. The facility accommodates practices from several clubs and youth recreational organizations, with teams traveling from as far as Bellingham, Seattle, and Spokane for league games. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a common cause.