Spartan Stadium 1964-2022

Last week seeing the old stadium coming down was a sad and happy time. The old stadium was so overdue for updating but still, there are so many memories of games and community events that have taken place there since it was built in 1964.

In January 1964 the cement was poured and the construction got underway on the grandstands. The project was under the direction of Will Slather.

In August of 1964, as the grandstands neared completion, a story in the Forks Forum shared, “The lighted field and new seating facilities will be a fine addition to the school athletic program, and will enable many more residents to view the games as they will now be played at night.”

The football field lighting project was initiated by the Forks Lions Club. The cost for lighting was to be $7,000 and the Lions planned to fundraise door to door. Forks businesses had already donated a substantial amount of money.

The Forks Junior Chamber of Commerce and the student body also donated cash to the lighting project. Don Lamb was in charge of the JC’s efforts.

Al Fletcher ordered the floodlights needed and local PUD crew members donated their time and equipment to the project. Frank Lyda with the city was to dig the holes for the poles and trench for the underground wiring.

The 12 poles needed for the project were donated by Rayonier and hauled by Edwards and Rhyne Logging, with truck driver Bill Horton contributing his time for driving the truck.

The committee members in charge of the lighting project were Dave Brown, Jon Erickson, Art Mertz, Al Fletcher, Earl Kennedy, Vern Poulsen, Wayne King, Don Francis, Don Rhyne, Harvey King, and John Hitchcock.

That first season in 1964 with the new stands and lighting there were five home games planned.

The project was completed on September 15, 1964.

It will be fun to once again watch a new grandstand take shape …and like the article said in 1964.

“All those responsible for making this project possible are to be commended for their efforts. When completed, the new grandstand and lighted field will be a tremendous asset to the Forks sports program.”