Artificial Turf Field to officially open with March 9 celebration

Squamish’s $1.2 million dollar artificial turf field will celebrate its official grand opening Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. The project was made possible by funding from the Province of British Columbia’s Community Recreation Program, 2010 Sports Legacy Fund, Squamish Soccer Association, and the District of Squamish.

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<p>The grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony with MLA Joan McIntyre and Mayor Rob Kirkham, and a traditional Squamish Nation blessing ceremony. The kick-off of a multi-generational game of soccer will officially put the field ‘in play’. Snacks and a bouncy castle will be on hand. Parking will be available at Brennan Park Recreation Centre.</p>
<p>“The realization of this project has been the result of true community collaboration, and I’m very pleased to see all groups come together to bring this asset to fruition,” said District of Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham. “I’m extremely grateful for the external support from the Province of British Columbia through the Community Recreation Program, and the 2010 Sports Legacy Fund; this project could not have happened without their support.”</p>
<p>The artificial turf field has changed the game for local sports associations, expanding safe play to take place in nearly all weather conditions. The turf field will be used extensively by the local soccer groups representing 2,000 community members, and will also accommodate other sports including high school football, providing broader opportunities for Squamish to host games and tournaments.</p>
<p>“Participation in sport and physical activity is a central part of community living that promotes healthy living and strengthens social connections,” said Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “We were pleased to be able to provide a $500,000 grant for this project through the Community Recreation Program, which in this case, will make a significant difference to improving local athletes’ playing season.”</p>
<p>A cheque for $100,000 will be presented to the District of Squamish by the Squamish Soccer Association as their contribution towards the field’s installation. Volunteer members of the Association raised the money through extensive fundraising efforts to demonstrate their unwavering support of the project and the community.</p>
<p>"This field is the result of a dream realized through hard work and tenacity,” said Katrina Doherty, President of the Squamish Youth Soccer Association. “It is, what we hope, only the beginning of a revitalization of Centennial Fields.”</p>
<p>“The spirit of volunteerism in our community constantly inspires me, and on behalf of the entire District of Squamish, thank you to our community sports groups for such monumental efforts,” continued the Mayor. “Fostering positive attitudes towards, and providing a wide range of opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation is a key part of nurturing a healthy and fitness-focused community.”</p>
<p>On an environmental note, the artificial turf field is manufactured in part from 60 tonnes of recycled tires, some of which likely made their way from Squamish. Approximately 31 tonnes of tires were diverted from the Squamish landfill for recycling last year as part of the Province’s Tire Stewardship BC program. On average between 80% and 90% of the scrap tires collected are recycled into products such as synthetic turf fields.</p>

March 6, 2013