development phases
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
Summer 2025: Construction Complete
Phase Four:
Spring 2025: Funding Campaign Launched
TBD: Construction Target Date
Phase Five:
TBD: Funding Campaign Launched
TBD: Construction Target Date
DeWilde Rugby Field Phase
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
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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
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
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
Phase 4
In Progress
Phase Four of the project will focus on the Bathroom & Shower House project, and is currently underway and will span from 2024 to 2026. Focusing on vital work both above and below ground, this foundational improvement, though often unseen, will significantly enhance the quality-of-life and comfort for all visitors and players."
Launched 2024 completed sometime in 2026
$154,500
Second allocation of Capital Budget from State of Washington
Championed by:
Alicia Rule
Washington State Rep.
Planning, fundraising and building started in 2024 and continues through 2026, focusing on work both above and below the ground!
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
Bathroom & Shower House
Septic Tank
Drain Field
Cost
Sponsor
Fencing
$$$
Available
Gates
$$$
Available
Fencing
Cost:
$$$
Provider:
Available
Gates
Cost:
$$$
Provider:
Available
Phase Five
The Future
Phase Five focuses on enhancing the physical infrastructure and amenities at deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields. This includes significant upgrades like new Stadium Seating, the development of an Additional Field, and vital Improvements to the Clubhouse. These and other amenities are designed to directly improve the deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields, creating a more comprehensive and enjoyable experience for all our community members.
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
1973
WWU students form the Chuckanut Rugby Club
1980
First International Chuckanut Tour to Europe.
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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
Launch fundraising for Phase Three.
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2025
Complete construction for Phase Three. Launch funding campaign for Phase Four
