The Glendale Sports Complex is set to undergo significant changes as part of Phase 1 of the City-Owned Solar Development Program, managed by Glendale Water and Power (GWP). This initiative, involving six city-owned sites, will include the installation of solar carport canopies at the complex’s parking lot. Construction is expected to begin between November and December, with completion targeted for February 2025.
According to GWP’s project manager and business transformation manager, Bryan Salazar, the solar canopies will generate 1,343 kilowatts of clean solar energy annually. In addition to energy generation, six electric vehicle chargers will be installed at the complex. Salazar emphasized that the Glendale Sports Complex was selected due to its ability to accommodate a large solar array, providing a substantial energy return on investment.
However, the project will involve the removal of 25 trees, with plans to replace them with 15 native California trees on-site and 20 additional trees at Montrose Community Park and Emerald Isle Park. This tree replacement plan is part of the city’s effort to maintain environmental balance while advancing renewable energy goals.
The Glendale Sports Complex, along with five other sites, will have solar infrastructure installed under contracts with Solar Optimum, a Glendale-based solar energy company. These other sites include the Glendale Community College Parking Lot 34, Central Library, Utility Operations Center, and the GWP Perkins building. The sixth location, Brand Landfill, will be managed by Motive Energy Inc.
The total budget for all six sites is approximately $14 million, with an additional $2 million allocated for contingency funds. The Glendale Sports Complex alone is projected to cost around $4.5 million. Energy generated from the canopies will be fed into GWP’s utility grid, and any surplus will charge a 75-megawatt battery to be installed at the Grayson Power Plant.
In response to concerns about the impact on local sports and community activities at the complex, GWP and Sports Complex management held a community meeting to discuss the project. Salazar acknowledged that the complex would experience some disruption due to its heavy use by local athletic organizations and community members.
Sports Complex Community Services Manager Gabrielle Goglia explained that the project’s two phases will affect parking availability. During Phase 1, only 50 of the 225 parking spaces will be usable, while 175 spaces will be available during Phase 2. Goglia stated that measures are being taken to manage the temporary parking limitations, including employing security guards to assist with traffic, designating a drop-off zone for parents, and encouraging participants to carpool or use ride-sharing services.
Despite the challenges, Goglia expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the project. She noted that the solar canopies would not only provide much-needed shade to the blacktop parking lot but also contribute to the city’s energy grid, helping to mitigate power shortages during heat waves or surges.
