Burghardt Family Makes Generous Gift To Burghardt Sports Complex Improvements (Photo) -03/21/25
Dale and Julie Burghardt have generously committed $1 million toward improvements at the Burghardt Sports Complex. This generous gift will result in an all-weather play surface to improve the playability for football, soccer and many community events, such as graduation.
Dale and Julie are alumni, who have previously donated over $600,000 to originally construct Burghardt Stadium and joined in with Terry & Cheryl Holden to invest in the Career Technical Education program at Molalla High School, as well.
“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. 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 Dale form his foundation include: Coach and teacher Keith Jensen; journalism teacher Isabell Martell; and coach/teacher/vice principal Ralph Capasso.” stated Dale Burghardt.
“Hopefully the community will seize this opportunity and quickly get behind raising the remaining monies needed to fully fund these improvements,” added Dale Burghardt. Other alumni and community members who have interest in joining this effort are invited to contact Mike Lord, Molalla High School Athletic Director at (503) 503-759-7306 or mike.lord@molallariv.k12.or.us.
The project costs are estimated at $2.7 million, with the remaining $800,000 funds needed to complete the all-weather and track resurfacing being raised from the Molalla community before the end of 2025. The construction is expected to begin in June 2026. The Oregon National Guard has pledged labor support for the 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.
