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David Glasser Athletic Complex

Opened Spring 2018

The Laveen Elementary School District celebrated the opening of their new athletic complex, named in honor of fallen Phoenix Police Officer David Glasser on April 12, 2018

The David Glasser Athletic Complex consists of a football/soccer field, two baseball fields, a play area, a snack shack and restrooms.  The complex is owned and operated by the district and serves the various youth ball leagues of Laveen. It was developed on the site of the old Laveen School near 51st Avenue & Dobbins.

The district broke ground on the site November 3, 2017. The celebration began with Glasser’s six-year-old son, Micah, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance alongside his close friend Officer James Byrd. Additional remarks were made by Laveen Superintendent Dr. Bill Johnson, Maisha Christian Hagen of Jokake Construction, Governing Board President Jill Barragan, and Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams.

Officer Glasser was killed in the line of duty on May 19, 2016 while responding to a call in the Laveen community. The complex honors his love for sports and desire to support the community he served. “There really isn’t a more fitting place for David to be honored than an athletic complex,” his wife Kristen explained. “Sports played a huge role throughout David’s life. It all started when he was just four years old on his first T-ball team.

“Being involved in athletics produces so many benefits for kids,” she added. “It keeps them motivated to do well in school and holds them accountable for making positive choices. They learn teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These are all traits I know David possessed and they transferred with him into his career as a police officer. “

The full cost of the project was $1,032,204. In addition to the ballfields, this included expanded parking.  The project was funded primarily through the district’s capital budget and was constructed by Jokake Construction. The Fiesta Bowl donated the sod used in the 2017 Cactus Bowl game and also provided an electronic scoreboard for the football / soccer field. A $185,000 grant by the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority offset additional costs. The David Glasser Foundation provided funding for other improvements.

A video of the groundbreaking event can be found on the district’s Vimeo page. Photos may also be viewed from flickr.

Photos

Video

Dedication Ceremony Photos