Three new amphitheaters are among the big improvements coming to all three elementary schools in the Soquel Unified Elementary School District (SUESD) this fall. Construction crews are currently busy with making the sites functional in time for the new school year, which starts August 5, although construction is expected to continue into February 2026.
Along with the three new outdoor amphitheaters, the project calls for conversion of existing natural grass fields to synthetic turf fields, installation of scoreboards and parking updates.
Starting with Main Street Elementary School, the project is utilizing a “leapfrog” approach enabling crews to work simultaneously at all three schools, according to Steve Cartwright, SUESD Supervisor of Maintenance Operations and Transportation. Building started at Main Street, followed by Santa Cruz Gardens and Soquel elementary schools.
“Main Street (Elementary) has the most headway right now of all three schools,” Cartwright said. Crews are reportedly re-roofing its entire Upper Commons Building to match the rest of the campus.
At Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School, 8005 Winkle Ave, the construction crew is currently “grubbing,” or taking out the new grass to replace with infill, he added.
Soquel Elementary, 2700 Porter St., will be the last of the three schools completed. “Soquel (Elementary) has not done grubbing yet,” Cartwright said.
The amphitheater at Soquel will be a concrete form with a split-level synthetic turf seating area. “You’re not sitting on concrete so it’s more comfortable,” Cartwright noted.
Parking has long been a sore spot at Soquel Elementary. The former lot could accommodate about 35 cars including staff and parents. Along with a new shade structure, redesigned parking will add more parking spots; removal of a concrete island and add a garbage enclosure. “That will be done, fingers crossed, before school starts,” Cartwright said. Finally, Soquel Elementary is adding a second staff-only parking lot, and new decorative fencing along its kindergarten yard, currently surrounded by plain chain-link fencing.
Along with conversion of the existing grass field to artificial turf will be minor grading, landscaping and utilities at all three schools. Once completed, the project will subsequently provide enhanced safety conditions and accessibility for all users of the fields. FieldTurf synthetic turf systems are independently tested and evaluated to provide better traction, aiming to reduce lower extremity injuries while offering high-durability technology.
Funding sources are the voter-approved Measure P, the $73 million General Obligation Facilities Bond passed by Capitola voters in November 2024; a new track and field and scoreboards at New Brighton Middle School were completed in October of 2025, with money from a state-sponsored matching fund that was not part of Measure P.
Gilroy-based Kent Construction is general contractor for the project. Architectural design is by Modus Architects.
