Total of $1.1M secured from state for Eatonville High School stadium, field and track project

Last week, state Sen. Jim McCune hailed the recent signing of the state’s capital budget, which is the final step in appropriating an additional $800,000 in state funding for the Eatonville High School stadium, field and track project.

This latest allocation increases McCune’s total secured state funding for the vital community facility to $1.1 million, following an initial $300,000 secured in the previous budget cycle.

The confirmation of this significant state investment comes just weeks after McCune attended a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony for the project May 2. The multi-phase project, estimated to cost $6.8 million, will deliver a state-of-the-art athletic complex for the Eatonville community, featuring high-quality turf, repositioned grandstands for optimal viewing, expanded seating capacity, and enhanced ADA accessibility.

McCune emphasized the importance of the state’s capital budget in bringing essential resources back to local communities.

“The capital budget is a critical opportunity to ensure that the tax dollars sent to Olympia are reinvested directly into the communities that generate them,” he stated. “It allows us to address real needs on the ground, supporting infrastructure, public facilities, and projects like this stadium that directly benefit our citizens. This additional state funding for Eatonville High School’s stadium is a prime example of how we can work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.”

McCune emphasized the broader impact of such investments.

“This project is so much more than just a sports complex,” he added. “It’s an investment in our youth, providing them with modern, safe facilities that encourage healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and a sense of community pride. These are the types of projects that truly uplift a community, providing a gathering place for families and fostering school spirit for generations to come.”

The new Eatonville High School stadium will replace a facility built in 1937, which had faced significant structural concerns and accessibility limitations. The new complex is expected to be a hub for community events, fostering greater local connection and potentially boosting economic activity for local businesses through increased visitor attendance.

The project has also garnered strong local support, including a capital levy passed in 2024 and ongoing fundraising efforts by the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation.