Original article written by Adrienne Laurent for Greet HWY 68 Loop
After six years of rigorous environmental work and coordination with state regulators, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has completed a $2 million soil remediation project, clearing the way for its long-anticipated expansion.
The Complex has been working to finalize regulatory closure with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) following the safe removal of arsenic-contaminated soil from a portion of the expansion site. The process required scraping the top 12 inches of soil across the area, relocating the contaminated material to a secure, designated location, and capping it. The site was then backfilled with clean soil, restoring the land to a condition suitable for recreational use.
“This is a major milestone,” said Jonathan De Anda, General Manager of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. “The environmental work in our expansion area has been long and costly, but it was absolutely necessary to ensure the land is safe and ready to serve the community. Now we have the opportunity to build something that will create lasting benefits—from youth development and health to economic vitality—for Monterey County.”
De Anda also recently presented the project’s progress to a statewide audience at the 2025 California Land Recycling Conference (CALRC 2025), as part of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant program, which awarded $1,123,500 to support the cleanup.
With remediation complete, the Complex is now poised for its next phase of growth: the construction of seven additional full-size soccer fields and new sand courts for both sand soccer and sand volleyball. This vision, however, can only become a reality through the generosity of donors. As a non-profit organization, the Complex relies on contributions and fundraising to make expansion possible. Every new field, every new court, is built thanks to the commitment of community partners and donors who believe in investing in local youth, families, and recreation.
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, already one of the largest facilities of its kind on the Central Coast, serves thousands of soccer players and their families each weekend. With expansion, it will be the largest facility of its kind between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
