New sports fields and various other facility updates are planned this summer at the Kidsports Complex in Kalispell.

A $1.4 million grant from the Montana Department of Commerce is funding infrastructure improvements, including work on a new road and entrance leading to a new parking lot and a storm water drainage system, according to Kalispell Public Works Director Susie Turner.

In addition, Kidsports will contract and pay for construction of seven new fields separate from the infrastructure improvements. The fields will take the place of a hill and running track on the north side of the complex.

A contract for the infrastructure project was awarded to LHC Inc. in the amount of $1.1 million. The bid was approved at Monday’s City Council meeting.

LHC submitted the lowest bid among the three bidders and was below the project engineer’s estimate of $1.4 million.

Construction will begin at the end of this month and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. No current activities or facilities will be affected by the construction.

The sports complex hosts baseball, soccer, track and field, softball and football on 30 playing fields.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.