City of Nanaimo receives funding for new artificial turf fields

City of Nanaimo receives funding for new artificial turf fields
City of Nanaimo

The City of Nanaimo has announced that it will be receiving funding for the development of two new artificial turf fields at Harewood Centennial Park.

A portion of the funding will be coming from both the Government of Canada and the B.C. government as part of their infrastructure grants to support inclusive, resilient communities.

The new turf fields project is estimated to cost a total of $4,971,332, according to the City.

Nanaimo is set to receive $750,737 from federal funding and $2,528,091 from provincial funding. The City adds that it will be allocating $1,192,504 of its own funds towards the project and the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District will contribute $500,000 as well.

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The City says that the need for additional artificial turf fields was identified through the Sportsfield Strategy and the Harewood Centennial Park Improvement Plan.

The project will not only see the addition of two turf fields but will also include field lighting, covered benches for players and officials, areas for spectator seating and a score clock.

“Investment into the Harewood Centennial Park over the last few years had turned it into a destination for all members of our community. The addition of two artificial turf fields will further enhance this park while addressing the need for additional sports fields in Nanaimo,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.

Harewood Centennial Park has seen a multitude of improvements over the last few years including playground enhancements, construction of an outdoor covered sports facility, and the building of a skateboard park.

Nanaimo notes that the funding is welcomed as the demand for fields has been extremely high, driven by a growing population and an increase in participation in sports.

The project is still in the design phase but construction is expected to begin in April 2023 with completion by the end of August 2023.

More information about the Harewood Centennial Park improvement plan can be found online here.

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