Things could look a lot different at the Burghardt Sports Complex in coming years.

Some old friends of the Molalla School District are back – with a financial commitment they hope leads to something special.

Dale and Julie Burghardt have committed $1 million toward improvements at the Burghardt Sports Complex. This financial gift will result in the installation of an all-weather playing surface to improve the playability for football, soccer and many community events, such as graduation.

The Burghardts are Molalla High alumni that have previously donated more than $600,000 for the initial construction of Burghardt Stadium. They also joined Terry and Cheryl Holden in a financial investment for the Career Technical Education program at Molalla High School.

“As shown by our actions over many years, we want to make a positive impact on the Molalla community and create a legacy that transcends generations,” said Dale Burghardt. “It is important for us to give back to the community where our life journey began and our foundations were formed. Important teachers and coaches that helped form this foundation include coach Keith Jensen, journalism teacher Isabell Martell, and coach/teacher/vice principal Ralph Capasso.

“Hopefully the community will seize this opportunity and quickly get behind raising the remaining monies needed to fully fund these improvements,” he added.

Any alumni or community members who have an interest in joining this effort are invited to contact Mike Lord, Molalla High School athletic director at 503-759-7306 or mike.lord@molallariv.k12.or.us.

The overall project cost estimate is $2.7 million, so there is still work to be done. The hope is that the remaining funds needed to complete the all-weather playing surface and track resurfacing will be raised from the Molalla community before the end of 2025.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2026 and the Oregon National Guard has pledged labor support for site preparation in the summer of 2026.

“The Burghardt family has generously supported Molalla Schools in the past,” said Superintendent Tony Mann. “Their legacy highlights their generosity and belief in supporting young people.”

“Molalla athletics is about excellence in character, academics and athletics,” said Athletic Director Mike Lord. “The Burghardt family’s investment in the ideal athletic program will pay dividends well into the future, assuring that the facilities reflect excellence.”

Want to be involved?

Contact Molalla High AD Mike Lord at 503-759-7306 or email to mike.lord@molallariv.k12.or.us.

Overall cost of the project is $2.7 million, so there is more to do.