The Laveen Elementary School District celebrated the grand opening of their new David Glasser Athletic Complex with a dedication ceremony on April 12, 2018.
The complex features a new football/ soccer field, two renovated baseball fields, a practice area, and snack shack. It is named in honor of fallen Phoenix Police Officer David Glasser who was killed in the line of duty in 2016 while responding to a burglary call within the Laveen community.
District Superintendent Dr. Bill Johnson led the ceremony which included remarks by Glasser’s wife, Kristen, and the Maryvale/Estrella Mountain Police Precinct’s commander, Edward DeCastro. Trailside Point’s advanced band performed the National Anthem under the direction of Michelle Phillips.
The complex honors Officer Glasser’s love for sports and desire to support the youth and community he served. “His life and his legacy have been and will continue to be an inspiration and a blessing to us,” noted Dr. Johnson.
DeCastro spoke of Officer Glasser’s kindness and presence. “His open heart was noticed by everyone he met. This complex is the perfect representation to who he was: big, welcoming to everyone in the community, it will create lasting memories and will keep families safe and having fun.”
Glasser’s immediate family joined members of his squad, along with Laveen students, to participate in the ribbon cutting officially opening the complex. The district’s intramural flag football teams then kicked off their championship game following a coin toss by Glasser’s young son, Micah.
“I am excited for the future of these fields – for kids to play on them, lessons to be learned on them, dreams to be made, and fun to be had,” Kristen Glasser remarked.
The complex is built upon the site of the old Laveen School near 51st Avenue and Dobbins and will serve the various youth ball leagues of Laveen.
The project was funded primarily through the district’s capital budget and was developed by Jokake Construction. A $185,000 grant by the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority offset additional costs. The Fiesta Bowl donated the sod used in the 2017 Cactus Bowl game and an electronic scoreboard for the football / soccer field. The David Glasser Foundation provided $9,500 funding for other improvements including bleachers and signage.