The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and community partners welcome the public to the grand opening of the G.P. Vanier turf field Saturday, Sept. 27 from 2-3 p.m.
Construction of the synthetic turf field began in late spring of 2014 with the project completed this month, on time and on budget. The project cost of $1.4 million is funded in part by the CVRD, City of Courtenay and the Comox Valley United Soccer Club (CVUSC). School District No. 71 (SD 71) provided the land for the field.
Everyone is welcome to come check out the new turf field and take part in some try-it activities and watch demonstrations offered by the soccer and field hockey clubs. There will also be activities and refreshments at the recently upgraded adjacent track, hosted by the track and field and running clubs. Representatives from each of the partner organizations will attend the grand opening and say a few words.
“The whole Comox Valley will benefit from all the hard work and the collaborative approach with our community partners that brought this first-rate facility to completion,” said Edwin Grieve, CVRD board chair. “The new all-weather field complements the amenities already available at the G. P. Vanier location and allows community members the opportunity to continue various activities year round regardless of weather.”
“This new synthetic turf field has been on the wish-list of Comox Valley soccer players for many years, and the local soccer community deserves recognition for their efforts, both advocating for the project and fundraising,” said Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula.
“This has been a wonderful collaborative effort between several organizations, and our entire community will benefit from the improved year-round access this playing field provides.”
“The school district values the regional partnership that has resulted in such a wonderful facility,” stated Peter Coleman, SD 71 board chair. “For the district, this facility is part of our continuing effort to ensure that health and fitness becomes an important part of our students’ learning experience.”
"The Comox Valley United Soccer Club and all of its members are thrilled to see this turf field become a reality. Many years of hard work by our club members, countless hours of fundraising and determination have made this field possible,” said Comox Valley United Soccer Club president Paul West.
“All 1,800 members of our club look forward to making use of the facility year round. A huge thank you to our partners in this project, while it took many years to make this dream come true we are thrilled with the final product."
The facility was designed by R.F. Binnie & Associates, project work conducted by Leighton Contracting and the turf installed by AstroTurf West Distributors Ltd. The turf field is also environmentally friendly as the project received funding from Tire Stewardship BC for using BC recycled tires as part of the infill material for the turf base. Maintenance is provided by the school district, and bookings of the new field are managed by the City of Courtenay’s recreation department. Existing amenities of the new field include outdoor lights and washrooms.
For more information about the grand opening celebrations, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec.
– Comox Valley Regional District