College breaks ground on new athletics facilities
By Laura Southers
Staff Writer
The college broke ground on new athletic facilities at Clackamas Community College’s Oregon City campus during a ceremonial event on Oct. 27. The project is being funded by the $120 million bond measure approved by Clackamas County voters in November 2024.
Clackamas Community College staff picking up dirt to start groundbreaking for new track facilities. Photos by Carlos Rodriguez-Picazo.
The $17 million in athletics construction will include a new track, a synthetic infield, resurfacing the baseball and softball fields to synthetic turf, building new bleachers, a grandstand with bleachers above the track and new restrooms.
Jason Gillies, landscape architect for Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture and Planning, said they will be “rebuilding this eight lane track to make a larger infield. The synthetic turf that will go on the inside will be regulation size for soccer and be able to allow for some larger events such as graduation.”
Jim Martineau, athletic director and coach of the women’s basketball team said,“We haven’t had a home soccer game since 2002. We haven’t hosted a conference track and field championship since 2003.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity we have to make the upgrades, not only for us, but for my children that grow up here in Oregon City,” said Martineau.
Design of new track layout.
The ability to hold such events at home is important to the student athletes. Track and field athlete Steven Ford talked about an increased “respect for our home track.”
Softball player Zoe LeBreton said that these improvements will “bring up our level of play.” The synthetic field improves players’ ability to run without tearing up a dirt field. It will also prevent rain delays.
CCC’s softball team walking over to take a photo.
”It’s not just about the fields,” said Tim Cook, president of the college. “It’s not just about the grandstand. It’s really about creating spaces that bring people together. I like to say a lot that community is literally our middle name here at Clackamas Community College.”
