City investing millions for upgrades at Kettering Fields Sports Complex

DAYTON — A sports complex that’s served the Miami Valley for decades is getting some major upgrades.

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The Dayton City Commission recently authorized over $7 million for the first phase of a project to upgrade Kettering Fields Sports Complex. The city plans to invest about $14 million total in the project.

“It’s been a long time before, since we have put in a good amount of money into the Kettering Fields,” Jermaine Isaac, Dayton Recreation Department’s sports division manager, said.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, Isaac said upgrades will include putting in two grass fields for soccer or lacrosse, as well as six new pickleball courts.

“That’s going to make us a really big player in the whole pickleball space here in Dayton,” Isaac said.

The plan also includes adding turf to the baseball and softball fields. The new look could mean more athletic events in Dayton.

“Continue to make those more attractive for tournament directors from out of state and out of town to come to Dayton,” Isaac said.

Charles Breitenfeldt, Ohio’s director for the National Softball Association, books tournaments in Ohio. He told News Center 7 that the addition of turf is a big deal toward booking tournaments, some of which feature more than 70 teams in one weekend.

“It’s going to bring people to the hotels,” Breitenfeldt said. “It’s gonna bring them to the restaurants, gas stations.”

With about 12 players per team, parents, and other fans, that could be a lot of tourism dollars.

“All that money that they’re putting into these fields, they’re gonna get that all back and then some once tournaments start getting going there,” Breitenfeldt said.

Isaac said there are two parts to the upgrades, with $7 million allotted to each part. They hope to start on them in June.

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