About the Fields

In February 2025, we finally broke ground on the FW Fields – a project the church unanimously voted to approve in the summer of 2024. Plans for this outdoor project include pickleball and basketball courts, a walking track, sand volleyball, and an outdoor pavilion. A decision was also made to form an ad-hoc committee which will work through the policies and details yet to be determined.

The FW Fields will enrich both our church family and the community. We are continuing to ask for your prayers over the project and celebrate all God is going to do through the ministry that will happen on these fields in the days ahead. We are so excited about this gathering space and the ways it will bless our church family and community! Watch the video below to hear Dr. Sands’ presentation of the First Woodway Fields project from Sunday morning worship on July 7, 2024.

FAQs

Below were the most frequently raised questions from the FW Fields Q&A Session.

Presently there is over $3m available in excess funds from previous years along with an estate gift bequest. With less than two months left in this year’s operational budget, we are projected to add close to $1 million in additional funds. First Woodway is faithful and generous in giving to Kingdom needs.

$3.95 million – We do not believe the project cost will exceed this amount; however, since it has not been formally put to bid, some of the materials could fluctuate. There is a 2% contingency amount built into this number. If we get close to exceeding what has been approved by the church, we would return to the finance committee for a recommendation.

This is a program, policy, and procedure question. It is anticipated that hours would be close to 6am – 9pm.There are times that only one gate would be unlocked. There are also times it could be reserved for a church function. It would never be open on a Sunday morning unless we have a special church function out there. Some of this is yet to be written, but safety and security are a top priority, along with the mission of the Church.

Present protocols and procedures in place for any other church space would be scaled to incorporate the various parts of the field. Typically, only a member of FW would be able to reserve a space. The nature of the activity would most likely need to align with the mission of the Church.

First Woodway seeks to provide a welcoming environment where members as well as the community can engage in healthy, holistic lifestyle activities. We believe that the Church and community can come together in this space to experience God and community in a safe and active way.

The primary mission of the fields is to create a space where people can gather and join in healthy activities that would connect them more deeply to God and to each other.

We are made to live in community.

There are safety lights around the walking trail and there are lights in and around the pavilion. At this time, we will prepare for but not include sports lighting for courts or fields. It is important that families engage in activities and still have time for refreshing rest and sleep. This is not a sports complex, but a gathering space.

Yes, there will be access to water for individual and group use.

Yes, on a limited basis, depending on what is scheduled there. We do not anticipate a full-time staff member monitoring in times of open recreation; however, because of the proximity to the church and the MAC, there will be hourly checks for any injury or damage. It will also be on the Woodway Police roving beat, mostly to check when the facility is closed.

Yes, part of this project provides for video security of every space in the project. Safety is of paramount importance, and we want users to feel safe and secure at all times.

While there are not restrooms in this project, it is our intent to ensure the availability of the church restrooms during hours the MAC is open. This will take some time to discuss, and possibly staff or provide for other access solutions.

This is a decision that we have discussed at length. We are not ruling it out for the future, but certain risks come with this addition. We are committed to finding solutions for families that spend time on the fields or playground.

It is particularly complicated with a school in the facilities. All of this will be discussed with colleagues and risk management professionals. It will be an on-going consideration for the future, but it will not be part of the initial project.

FLYOVER VIDEO

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