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Evolution of deWilde

deWilde Fields continues to grow and evolve into a fantastic home for rugby fans of all ages. Year over year the property is improved and plans to elevate the experience for all are always in motion.

Phase One:
January 2021: Funding Complete
March 2021: Construction Complete
Phase Two:
March 2022: Funding Complete
July 2022: Construction Complete
Phase Three:
April 2024: Funding Complete
End of 2024: Construction Target Date
Phase Four:
Summer 2024: Funding Target Launch
End of 2025: Construction Target Date
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The phases

Phase One

Complete

The focus for Phase One of the deWilde Polo and Rugby Field expansion and development plan was to shift ownership and to assess the property for expansion and development opportunities and viability.

Launched January 2020 and completed March 2021
The completion of Phase One included the following:
Title Insurance
Legal acquisition of the 17.2 acre property
Whatcom County Pre-Application Meeting
Architectural Feasibility Study
Legal Expenses
Grant Research
Title Insurance
Legal acquisition of the 17.2 acre property
Whatcom County Pre-Application Meeting
Architectural Feasibility Study
Legal Expenses
Grant Research

Thank you, deWilde family, for the generous property donation in 2018

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Phase Two

Complete

Phase Two of the deWilde development project surrounded opportunities to improve the property - field grading, irrigation systems, hydroseeding, signage, and other structural replacements or additions.

Launched March 2021 and completed July 2022
Phase Two revolves around improving the property and establishing proper maintenance, elevating the rugby experience for all. Items include:
Signage
Grading of Fields 1 & 2
Additional earth material (dirt, trees, gravel, etc.)
Trencher
Well Pump
Electrical & Utility Pole
Reel Mower
Hydroseeding
Scoreboards
Powder Coating Uprights
Irrigation System
Top Dressing
Kubota Tractor
Conditional Use Permit submitted
Architectural Plans for Grandstand
Cost estimates for Grandstand
Stormwater
Signage
Grading of Fields 1 & 2
Additional earth material (dirt, trees, gravel, etc.)
Trencher
Well Pump
Electrical & Utility Pole
Reel Mower
Hydroseeding
Field 1 Scoreboard
Powder Coating Uprights
Irrigation System
Top Dressing
Kubota Tractor
Conditional Use Permit submitted
Architectural Plans for Grandstand
Cost estimates for Grandstand
Stormwater
Cost
Sponsor
Fencing
$$$
Available
Gates
$$$
Available
Fencing
Cost:
$$$
Provider:
Available
Gates
Cost:
$$$
Provider:
Available
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Phase Three

Complete

Phase Three has a focus on making larger improvements to the property, setting the fields up for success for future projects and evolution of the fields and facility. These items are typically unnoticed by the general public, but make a massive difference in the quality-of-life for visitors and players alike.

Launched July 2022 completed April 2024
$154,500
From The State of Washington’s 2023 Capital Budget Allocation
Championed by:
Alicia Rule
Washington State Rep.
Phase Three revolves around improving the property and establishing proper maintenance, elevating the rugby experience for all. Items include:
Engineer Consultant
Access Gates
1350 Linear Feet of White Property Fencing
Asphalt Entrance Apron
Main Gate Materials & Construction
Stormwater Bioretention Swales
Grading parking area & main access road
5 Dump truck loads of gravel for parking lot
Bioretention Soil Mix
CSBC (Crushed Surfacing Base Course)
Bioretention Soil Mix
Top Dressing
Kubota Tractor
Field 2 Scoreboard
Flag Pole
Utility Cart
Sprayer 3 point with 18 ft boom
Engineer Consultant
1350 Linear Feet of White Property Fencing
Main Gate Materials & Construction
Access Gates
Asphalt Entrance Apron at the main & secondary gates
Stormwater Bioretention Swales
Grading parking area & main access road
5 Dump truck loads of gravel for parking lot
Bioretention Soil Mix
CSBC (Crushed Surfacing Base Course)
Bioretention Soil Mix
Field 2 Scoreboard
Flag Pole
Sprayer 3 point with 18 ft boom
Utility Cart
Cost
Sponsor
Fencing
$$$
Available
Gates
$$$
Available
Fencing
Cost:
$$$
Provider:
Available
Gates
Cost:
$$$
Provider:
Available
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The Grandstand Project

The Future

The Grandstand Project is the next big step for deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields. With your help, this dream in motion will arrive even sooner.

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Timeline

deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields has decades of history, entrenched in supporting the surrounding communities, and giving the sport of rugby a proper home in the Pacific Northwest.

Select a year
'73
'80
'81
'82
'03
'06
'07
'18
'19
'20
'21
'22
'23
'24
1973
WWU students form the Chuckanut Rugby Club
1980
First International Chuckanut Tour to Europe.
1981
4th Annual Can-Ams - First time played at the Polo Grounds.
1982
Chuckanut High School Rugby first established.
2003
Club becomes Non-profit organization. K-12 Boys and Girls teams form.
2006
Host USA National Club 7s Championships.
2007
Host USA National Club 7s Championships.
2018
Club receives gift of 17 acres from the deWilde family.
2019
Strategic planning begins for facility development project.
2020
Phase One Begins.
2021
Phase One concludes. Phase Two begins.
2022
Phase Two complete. Phase Three begins.
2023
Phase Three complete. $150,000 capital budget allocation from the State of Washington.
2024
Complete Phase Three and prepare for the launch of Phase Four, details coming in Summer 2024.

Maintaining the Property

Maintaining large properties is no easy task. The reason why deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields always stands out from the rest is because of excellent support of our community and our grounds-keeping team.

Greg Gandy
Groundskeeper

Greg is the head groundskeeper and more for deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields. He consistently keeps the fields in competitive shape, giving athletes the very best to play on.

With thanks to those that offer additional support:

Dan Barclay

Ned Kennedy

Tom Wigg

Neil Gardner

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