The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved the transfer to the City of Santa Maria $1.5 million for the Santa Maria Sports Complex — funds allocated in the 2021-22 budget to support the then-conceptual complex.

The complex is now under construction on 21 acres purchased in 2024 by the City adjacent to S. Depot Road. It is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

“I think it's a perfect location for it. We have two elementary schools surrounding it, as well, on both sides and we have the basin where we’re going to be able to host a lot of tournaments,” said 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, who has advocated for the county support since the project’s conception.

According to the county staff report, project plans include soccer fields, basketball courts, a walking

See Full Page