Land Donation To Bring New Soccer Complex To Liberal

The City of Liberal is proud to announce that Duane and Thelma Jean Lambert have donated a generous amount of land to assist in the construction of a new lighted city soccer complex.

“I am humbled by the extreme generosity that was shown by Duane and Thelma Jean Lambert towards our community.  Duane and Thelma Jean’s donation, along with efforts of the city, will benefit numerous kids and adults in our community for many years to come,” Mayor Joe Denoyer said.

The two lighted soccer fields will be used by the City of Liberal for men’s and women’s soccer.  The formation of adult soccer programs will be a new welcomed addition to the Recreation Department.

“This is a long-anticipated and exciting day for the City of Liberal, in which we will be able to offer adult soccer when the complex is completed,” Commissioner Tony Martinez said. “The Lamberts have always been proud members of the Liberal, Kansas community.  Mr. and Mrs. Lambert wanted to show their continued support for the people of Liberal by making a significant contribution to the community.  This generous donation will be the City of Liberal’s first lighted soccer fields when completed.  The partnership with the Lambert’s comes to life today.”

The City’s Recreation Master Plan includes the creation of a lighted soccer complex, as currently, the City of Liberal does not have a lighted soccer field for public use. The soccer complex will include two lighted soccer fields that can be reconfigured into four smaller fields. The City estimates that the parking lot should hold 320 cars. The lighted fields would allow for a longer soccer season. Soccer programs can be organized and held during the week in the evenings. The lighted fields would also be an impressive statement to travelers on Highway 83. The soccer complex will be located on east Tucker Road.

Construction of the new soccer complex will begin in fall of 2016 with the anticipated opening of the summer of 2017. Most of the construction will be completed by city staff as time allows.