Soledad seeks $1.8 million to finish community center upgrades; council asked to help solicit donors

The council reviewed a fundraising and grant strategy to complete upgrades at the Soledad Community Center and approved staff requests for council advocacy in outreach to potential donors. Parks & Recreation Director Jessica Potts outlined a list of remaining capital needs at the facility: a replacement emergency generator, HVAC upgrades, ADA restroom improvements, EV charging stations, lighting and parking lot safety work, landscaping and secure trash enclosures. The department estimated a funding gap of about $1.8 million to finish the projects. “We’re not expecting the general fund to cover this. We’re tackling it with a two‑pronged approach: outside grants and a capital campaign,” Potts said. She described sponsorship tiers and naming opportunities for spaces in the facility and said the city has contracted a marketing firm to build a campaign toolkit. Council members asked for templates and materials to use in outreach and suggested targeting local agricultural employers and other large employers in the region. Councilors also recommended adding photos and local success stories to the packet, and asked staff to check on family‑sensitive imagery before wide distribution. The council did not take a formal funding vote but directed staff to continue development of the capital campaign materials and begin targeted outreach with council support.