LEWISTON — A buffed and refurbished Franklin Pasture athletic complex would depend heavily on donations and private investment, councilors were told Tuesday night.

Lewiston Finance Director Heather Hunter briefed city councilors on the $5 million plan to modernize and repair the complex, which includes several fields, spectator seating areas, tennis courts, a running track and other amenities.

Plans call for replacing the natural grass in two fields — the Don Roux Field used for Lewiston High School football, soccer and lacrosse games and a nearby practice field — with artificial turf.

Councilor Mark Cayer said he was suspicious about the artificial turf but agreed to keep an open mind.

More important now is limiting the impact on Lewiston taxpayers, Cayer said. “I’m excited about the plan, but I suggest we go cautiously.”

Hunter said the goal is to raise as much money as possible through donations. Estimates say the work would cost $3.8 million, but Hunter said the Lewiston Athletic Foundation Trustees would try to raise an additional $1.2 million to pay for ongoing maintenance.

“If we achieve the ultimate goal of $5 million, we have the funds to go so it won’t impact the tax rate and you won’t be asked for maintenance,” Hunter said. “There’s a healthy investment placed on doing proper fundraising.”

Hunter said the trustees will bring the matter back before both the Lewiston School Committee on July 16 and the City Council on July 17 for votes of support. Yes votes would let the trustees begin their fundraising efforts.

The project covers 100 acres containing five athletic fields and eight tennis courts surrounding the high school, owned by the city and used for school and community recreation. It was last renovated in 1995, and Hunter said the complex needs significant work.

In the past, the practice was to leave the natural-grass athletic fields alone for much of the spring, letting the grass build roots for the heavier use in the summer. That was before lacrosse became a popular sport.

“Lacrosse is a spring sport,” Hunter said. “(The fields) miss out on the growth period. Plus, sometimes the middle school uses that facility and our Recreation Department uses it. It’s always maxed.”

Artificial turf would let the city and school use the field year-round. Councilor Don D’Auteuil said that fact, combined with a more modern complex, could bring paying lacrosse, soccer and other summer tournaments to Lewiston.

“So, is this our answer to Auburn’s ice-rink plans?” Mayor Robert Macdonald said.

“It certainly has the same potential, the same drawing effect,” D’Auteuil said. “We can rent it and use it constantly and it’s not like a grass field where we put in $20,000 a year to maintain it. We can rent it and bring in money and bring in people. They may not stay overnight, but they will eat in a restaurant.”

The complex’s baseball field and the Upper Franklin field, home to community softball games, would both get new lights. The baseball field would also get a press box and a spectator and picnic area.

Marcotte Park, home to youth soccer and lacrosse games, would get a wider field and repairs to the field’s support building.

The city has already scheduled work on the complex’s tennis court this summer, part of the capital projects approved by councilors last month. The courts will be resurfaced and get better drainage and new restrooms.

Hunter also gave councilors a draft of potential sponsorship opportunities the trustees could use. They range from complex naming rights for $750,000, “Team Owner” sponsorship of one of the high school’s seven team sports for $100,000 per team, an engraved brick program for $500 and a “Fan” sponsorship for $250.

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