Five years ago this field was not a desired place to be, but in a couple of months, it will become the most active area of Fort Thomas. The new field will provide endless opportunities for the community. Not only did they renovate the soccer field and surrounding track, but the addition of the field house and expanded parking lot make the experience that much more exciting for citizens.
The soccer field and track will not only impact the players, but also the Fort Thomas community supporting the Highlands High School teams. Students, current players, parents, and anyone in the community can use the field. Some of the best parts of the construction to the complex are the additional parking spaces. This will make traffic safer and easier for everyone.
“We’re really proud of it, I think it’s turned out to be something that should impact everything athletic and non athletic programs,” Superintendent Brain Robinson said.
Both the soccer players and coaches are elated to finally have a field to practice on. They are even more excited to be able to host games there when the construction is complete. The program has gone through great challenges and diversity when finding fields to train and play on.
“I think it builds a lot of strength and character and I think it’s one of those faces of adversity that we dealt with really well last year, and we were super excited to come on this year and have a facility,” Girls Soccer Coach Kelsey Etherton said. “Not having one has made it very challenging to get parents and players at the practices and games, but good things come with time.”
The city hopes to have everything open to the public in the middle of September and to finish the soccer season off at home in the new space. The first game in the fully renovated space will also include a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“I’m excited to see the community engage in it and I’m fired up to be there,” Robinson said.
On top of the soccer field construction, the city made plans to update the tennis courts. The renovations began following the Fourth of July celebration. The goal is to create a smoother surface for Highlands tennis teams and citizens to enjoy. While the court’s progress is mainly dependent on weather, the city hopes to have the courts completed before the beginning of the 2026 tennis season.
In addition to the brand new courts, there will be more accessible seating and surrounding areas for viewers of the courts and those walking past. The previous courts were cracking from overuse and some of the nets were worn down.
“I know players and our opponents won’t miss the cracks along many of the courts. I’m also anticipating that the resurfacing could mean the courts will dry faster on wet days,” Boys Tennis Coach Kristin Laskey said.
With both these areas completed, the Tower Park area will be fully updated following the renovations to the main playground area and the basketball courts. While this construction has been a long time coming, many believe the new facilities will be worth the wait.
