Monroe County is investing more than $6.1 million to upgrade soccer fields at the Karst Athletic Complex, a project that includes three new turf fields that will allow play even in wet weather.
Soccer fields under construction at Karst Farm Park are seen on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
What is the additional $80,000 approved by the county council for?
The county parks department recently transferred $80,000 in reserved capital funds to pay for flooding mitigation after it was discovered rainwater from an adjacent farm field was spilling over onto the soccer fields’ site.
The money was for upgraded drainage and a sedimentation basin on west edge of two new turf fields, according to parks department documents. “This is needed to prevent soil and water from a nearby Monroe County Airport’s farm field from encroaching onto the synthetic turf playing surface.”
Parks department director Kelli Witmer said the airport has started a project to improve drainage from the field, which should alleviate the problem.
What does the park project entail?
Three new turf soccer fields, the first non-grass ones at Monroe County’s Karst Athletic Complex, are part of the $6 million project that also includes improved lighting and drainage on other playing fields at the westside park.
Fields 9, 11 and 12 are being converted from grass to synthetic turf with an LED light system. These turf fields will be playable later this year.
Fields 6 and 7 will have new LED lights installed. Drainage and irrigation systems will be replaced. These grass fields will be reopened and playable in 2026.
Field 8 is having an LED light system installed and the grass field will be playable later this year.
Will the parking area adjacent to the soccer fields be improved?
Yes. Upgrades to the soccer complex parking lot that comply with Americans with Disability Act standards are expected to be finished this year. All of the new fields should be open by the spring.
Where is the money coming from?
Total project cost: over $6.1 million.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a federal stimulus package intended to help the economy recover from the financial downfall of the pandemic: $3.8 million.
Monroe County Convention and Visitors Commission: $500,000.
General obligation bonds: $1.4 million.
Monroe County Parks Board: $489,000.
Where is the Karst Athletic Complex?
Two miles off I-69 in the midst of the 120-acre Karst Farm Park. The soccer complex currently has six full-size lighted fields and one practice field. The fields are irrigated and have bluegrass and rye natural playing surfaces.
Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: $6.1 million project upgrade turf soccer fields lighting at Karst Farm Park Monroe County Indiana