The 47-acre Roger Malfait Sports Complex currently features a walking trail, a paved track, and basketball and tennis courts. Within the next year, residents will see the completion of an all-purpose football and soccer field to complement the track. Baseball and softball diamonds will also be added, giving Washougal area families a much-needed boost in recreational opportunities.

Saturday's grand opening of the Roger Malfait Community Park and Sports Complex was just the beginning.

Families, young and old, gathered with the Washougal School Board and Skamania County Parks and Recreation members in the open space behind Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle schools. What they saw was an unfinished field of dreams. A field of hope.

"It's a beautiful day in the cape to welcome the opening of the Roger Malfait Sports Complex to the community," announced Washougal schools superintendent Teresa Baldwin. "This is a wonderful gift, not only to the school district, but also to the residents of the cape."

The 47-acre park, donated by the Malfait family, features a walking trail around the complex that has already been heavily used. Recent additions include a paved track, and basketball and tennis courts. Within the next year, residents will see the completion of an all-purpose football and soccer field to complement the track. The empty space to the right will be filled with baseball and softball diamonds, giving Washougal families a much-needed boost in recreational opportunities. All of these projects could be completed by the end of summer, and open to the public in the fall.

"In time, you will have a [top-notch] community park and a very excellent sports complex," said Ron Carlson, director of information technology and operations for the Washougal School District. "When you see it finished, my hope is that you take care of it. This is a very special place."

Read the rest of the story in the May 6 issue of the Post-Record