Eatonville High School Track and Field Project Timeline
August 2025
August 18, 2025 – Notice to Proceed
Eatonville School District received official notice to proceed on the long-awaited Track and Field Project.
August 19, 2025 – Construction Begins
Heavy equipment arrived and construction officially began with site preparation. Work started on the track, field, and stadium grandstands.
August 20, 2025 – Early Progress
Crews began excavation, marking the start of a major transformation for our athletes and community.
August 22, 2025 – Track Removal
The old track surface was cleared, bringing the project one step closer to a brand-new facility.
August 27, 2025 – Excavation Underway
Excavation and foundation work continued. Thank you to our community for your continued support and patience.
August 28, 2025 – Aerial View
Special thanks to teacher Erik Swartout for capturing drone footage highlighting the progress.
September 2025
September 1, 2025 – Groundwork Preparation
Crews excavated and hauled dirt in preparation for new drainage systems.
September 2, 2025 – Approvals and Demolition
Final approvals for installation and excavation were received. The Town also approved demolition of the stadium structure and restrooms, allowing work to move forward quickly.
September 4, 2025 – Field Preparation
Surveying equipment was on site. Asphalt was removed from the old end zone, and dirt and rock removal continued.
September 10, 2025 – Curbing Begins
With excavation complete, curbing installation began.
September 22, 2025 – Grandstand Demolition
The stadium grandstands that stood for decades were removed. A bittersweet milestone and an exciting step forward.
September 23, 2025 – Debris Removal Support
Thank you to LeMay Pierce County Refuse and Land Recovery Incorporated for hauling and properly disposing of stadium debris.
September 26, 2025 – Excavation Complete
Demolition and excavation were completed. Crews transitioned to curbing and drainage preparation.
October 2025
October 2, 2025 – Drainage Installation
Catch basins were installed and perimeter curbing continued.
October 7, 2025 – Curbing Nears Completion
Curbing work wrapped up as the project remained on schedule.
October 14, 2025 – Fencing Begins
Fencing installation began around the stadium.
October 16, 2025 – Lighting Upgrades
Old light poles were removed to prepare for new energy-efficient LED lighting.
October 21 to 23, 2025 – Field Events Preparation
Crews prepared pole vault and javelin areas and began installing new LED light poles and fixtures. Thank you to Ohop Mutual for supporting this upgrade.
October 28, 2025 – Pole Vault Run-Up
Concrete pour for the pole vault run-up was completed.
October 29, 2025 – Stadium Foundation Work
Crews continued work on the foundation for the future stadium.
November 2025
November 13, 2025 – Turf Preparation
Grading and leveling began in preparation for turf installation.
November 24, 2025 – Stadium Footings
Work progressed on the new 1,224-seat stadium. Field work continued and stadium footings took shape.
November 26, 2025 – Turf Arrival
Turf materials arrived on site as foundation work continued.
December 2025
December 2, 2025 – Concrete Pour
Crews poured 80 yards of concrete for the next phase of construction. Three members of the cement team were proud EHS graduates helping build the facility they once competed on.
December 2, 2025 – Evening Update
All concrete for 22 footings and piers was poured in a single day.
December 4, 2025 – LED and Turf Prep
Crews prepared foundations for new LED lights and installed pads for the turf field.
December 10, 2025 – Turf Rollout Begins
Turf installation officially began, and preparation for light pole foundations continued.
December 17, 2025 – Retaining Wall Materials
4,000-pound ecology blocks arrived to build a strong retaining wall.
December 19, 2025 – Field Branding
CRUISERS lettering was rolled into the end zone, with Eatonville lettering to follow. Retaining wall blocks continued to be placed.
December 30, 2025 – Year-End Progress
Retaining walls behind the future grandstands were underway. Grandstand assembly was scheduled to begin in January. Turf details including end zone lettering, center field EC, and stitched hashmarks were completed.
January 2026
January 5, 2026 – Grandstand Delivery
Five semi-trucks delivered major grandstand components to campus.
January 6, 2026 – Fabrication and Field Details
Grandstands fabricated in Texas arrived for assembly. Soccer lines were hand-sewn into the turf using colored fibers.
January 12, 2026 – North and South End Work
North end zone preparation continued while unsafe rock was removed from the south end to prepare for a retaining wall and improved emergency and vendor access.
January 13, 2026 – Retaining Wall Materials Arrive
Blocks arrived for the south end retaining wall near the bus loop.
January 14, 2026 – Aerial Views
Additional aerial photos were captured by Erik Swartout.
January 15, 2026 – LED Lighting Installed
New LED lights were installed, improving visibility and reducing long-term energy costs.
January 18, 2026 – Light Poles Installed
Four new LED light poles were installed.
January 19, 2026 – Turf Infill Process
Grandstand bases were installed. Sand infill was worked into the turf fibers, with crumb rubber next.
January 29, 2026 – Grandstand Assembly Begins
Grandstand assembly officially began. Work also continued on the pole vault runway, entry area, discus, and javelin runways.
February 2026
February 2, 2026 – Press Box Installed
The press box was set into place in an impressively fast process.
February 4, 2026 – Fence Replacement
Approximately 185 feet of old fencing was replaced with new material thanks to Quality Fence and community volunteers.
February 18, 2026 – Stadium Update
Roof installation began on the press box, and new goal posts were installed. The stadium continues to take shape as the project moves toward completion.
March 4, 2026
Crews made great strides as the long jump and triple jump pit took shape, along with the discus pad and shot put area. In the stands, seats were installed, bringing the stadium one step closer to welcoming fans, students, and the community.
March 16, 2026
Crews worked hard installing the new ADA access ramp, adding stadium seating, putting in guard rails, and preparing the shot put area.
March 30, 2026
The construction team was hard at work laying asphalt for the high jump, triple jump, long jump, and discus areas, as well as beginning work around the stadium entry area. Soon, crews would begin work on the track and areas around the perimeter.
March 31, 2026 – Legislative Funding Announcement
The district received an additional $310,000 in capital funds from the legislature to support construction of the south and west retaining walls at the stadium. A special thank you to State Senator Jim McCune and State Representatives Matt Marshall and Andrew Barkis for their advocacy and continued support of Eatonville schools.
This investment builds on previous legislative appropriations, including $800,000 in capital funds awarded last year for stadium improvements and $300,000 the year prior to replace the stadium restrooms.
April 2026
April 1, 2026
Track paving began as trucks loaded with asphalt arrived on site. One layer was completed, with another layer scheduled for the following week. A rubberized coating will be added when weather conditions improve.
Additional work included:
- Goal post assembly
- Plumbing for the new restrooms
- Shot put area progress
- New discus circle
- Supports for the new scoreboard on the north end of the field
Paving was officially underway, and one of the highlights was the newly paved ramp connecting the parking lot, creating smoother and more accessible access for students, families, and the community.
April 10, 2026
Scoreboard installation took place.
April 16, 2026
It was an exciting day at the construction site, with visible progress happening all at once.
One of the biggest highlights was the arrival of the crane, which played a critical role in unloading and placing the new prefabricated restroom. Watching the restroom unit be carefully lifted from the truck and set into place was a great reminder of how all the pieces are coming together.
At the same time, work continued across multiple areas of the site. New soccer goals were assembled, bringing the field one step closer to being game ready. The shot put area also continued taking shape, adding another important feature to support student athletics.
These visible milestones reflect thoughtful planning and a great deal of hard work behind the scenes.
April 17, 2026
Crews laid down the final layer of asphalt, giving the space its finished look. Once it has time to cure, the rubberized surface and lane striping will be added.
The new restrooms are now in place.
May 2026
May 1, 2026 – Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Arrow Lumber Stadium & B.W. Lyon Field
On Friday, May 1, the community came together to celebrate the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Arrow Lumber Stadium and B.W. Lyon Field.
The event featured remarks from:
- Superintendent Jay Brower
- Senator Jim McCune
- Representative Matt Marshall
- Scott Robinson from the Recreation and Conservation Office
- David Baublits from the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation
- Aaron Langberg representing the B.W. Lyon Family
- Mayor Emily McFadden
The ceremony included the National Anthem performed by district choirs, the Posting of Colors by American Legion Mt. Tacoma Post 148, and a student performance by the Weyerhaeuser Elementary Bucket Drummers.
A special moment included the raising of the flags, supported by Isaac and Bailey. The Class of 2025 generously donated the flagpole.
This project represents years of vision, collaboration, and dedication from staff, students, families, local businesses, and community partners. Seeing it come to life was a meaningful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community works together.
May 14, 2026
Crews installed grandstand lighting as work continued on the new stadium project.
May 19, 2026
The rubberized surface installation began in the long jump area, with the entire track scheduled to follow.
Lights were also installed under the eaves of the stadium, adding another finishing touch to the project.
May 20, 2026
More exciting progress continued at Arrow Lumber Stadium at B.W. Lyon Field.
Work included:
- Installing protective striping in preparation for the rubberized track surface application
- Applying adhesive and preparing sand to help fill low spots before the rubberized layer is added
- Continued work on lighting within the grandstands
- Sand preparation for the track project
- Progress in the shot put area
- A first look at a sample Community Seat Sponsorship plaque
It has been incredible watching this project continue to come together step by step for students, families, and the community.
May 21, 2026
All 36 stadium lights are now officially in place and ready for future games, events, performances, and community celebrations.
The rubberized coating process for the new track is officially underway, and it is exciting to see the project continue to come to life step by step.
Project Background
Originally slated to begin in May 2025, the project was delayed due to Governor’s Executive Order 21-02, which required an additional compliance review. With acceptance of the $1.2 million Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant, the district committed to following all requirements to ensure the project meets state standards.
Although Eatonville athletes will play home football games in Yelm this season, the wait will be worth it. By next fall, we will welcome students, athletes, and fans to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve our community for many years to come.
We are grateful for the continued patience and support of our students, families, and fans. Final approval for the replacement stadium is near, and additional details will be shared as the project continues to progress.