Lott Youth Sports Authority plans new facility on 120 acres in Lawton

The City Council of Lawton convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding youth sports facilities and programming in the community. The meeting was led by the chairman of the Lawton Youth Sports Authority, who provided an update on the growth of youth sports participation and the ongoing efforts to enhance local sports facilities.

The chairman began by highlighting the impressive 36% increase in youth sports participation, which has risen from approximately 2,158 participants in 2022 to nearly 3,000. This growth is attributed to the introduction of new offerings and the management of sports programs by Eastern Sports Management (ESM). The chairman noted that while basketball is not offered twice a year due to facility constraints, other sports such as football, volleyball, and futsal are now available more frequently, catering to both youth and adult participants.

The discussion then shifted to the current state of sports facilities in Lawton. The chairman expressed concerns about the aging conditions of existing fields and the challenges posed by the closure of local schools, which have limited practice opportunities. He emphasized the need for new facilities to accommodate the growing number of participants and to provide adequate practice space.

A key agenda item was the proposal to move forward with the construction design phase for a new sports facility. The chairman detailed the acquisition of 40 acres of land for $300,000, which will serve as the site for the new facility. This land purchase was deemed a strategic decision, as it allows for the development of a comprehensive sports complex that can better serve the community's needs.

The chairman also mentioned ongoing negotiations with Lawton Public Schools to establish a lease agreement that would facilitate shared use of the new facility. This collaboration aims to enhance opportunities for both youth sports and school programs.

In conclusion, the City Council meeting underscored the importance of investing in youth sports infrastructure to support the growing participation in athletic programs. The council is expected to deliberate on the proposed plans and provide direction for the next steps in the construction process, with the goal of fostering a vibrant sports community in Lawton.