The current field is over used and under maintained for the number of sports played in any one season.

Natural grass surface with natural drainage subgrade does not allow for field revitalization at any point in the year.

From spring rugby and summer kids soccer, the field gets continuous use from local youth to local adult sport teams.

Local use of the field!!

Area sport teams such as: Fundy Minor Football, Atom, Peewee and Bantam Teams, Wander’s Mens Football Team, Stomp Womens Football Team, Saint John Minor Soccer, Mens and Womens Rugby.

From spring rugby and summer kids soccer, the field gets continuous use from local youth to local adult sport teams.

Other community activities!!

In addition to sport teams using the field, other community based activities take place on the field, such as: runners and joggers do laps, playing baseball, hitting golf balls, playing ultimate frisbee, recreational soccer, touch football and local people walking their dogs on this nice open area in our city.

The over demand for using this field, along with the limited time that this field can be used, is due to the facts that the field is not illuminated and inclement weather. The field must be closed thus creating groups to search out other areas of the city for their recreational needs.

Approximately 2100 local people use this field, with sometimes over 400 people on the field in an evening for summer Minor Soccer. 480 students in 16 Physical Education Classes, 250 students using it for intermural sports, 140 rugby players, over 100 Minor Football players, over 40 men on the mens football team, and over 35 women on the Stomp Football team. These totals do not include visiting teams as well.

The Plan!!

The improvements include a regulation size football field with improved wearing surface (turf field) and a grass training field. Both these would have improved subsurface drainage.

For the main field, these improvements will keep the water off the surface and allow for use of the field even in poor climate conditions. The new artificial top surface will keep the players dryer, cooler, and cleaner than a traditional field. It has been proven that a system similar to the one proposed here is safer and reduces the impact on the body’s joints. These improvements will also keep the field in top shape for years, without muddy sections, worn out grass sections and poor playing surfaces. This will allow our teams to practice more, have less fatigue and injuries, extend the field opening time, and extend the possible duration of daily use.

Turf field advantages

As nice as it is to watch the Canadian geese in the field, they create waste which damages the field and causes unhealthy field conditions for the players. They will not use the field once it becomes a turf covered field.

A turf field is constructed much differently than the current field (natural grass). Built up sub surface layers complete with top mat, creates additional cushion reducing the stress on the leg and back joints, reducing fatigue to the players.

Phase 1: Training Field

Involves clearing the area, building up the sub surface using an engineered drainage system that allows the field to freely drain and not hold excessive water. Then removing existing sod and soil from the existing sports field (approximately half the size of the football field).

Phase 2: Main Field Construction

Fallowing phase 1, continue removing existing sod and soil from the existing sports field, building up the sub surface using an engineered drainage system that allows the field to freely drain and not hold excessive water. Fishing with the installation of the FieldTruf system allows the surface water to drain, so the field can be used even during weather events. This phase includes the full size football field with LED lightingtowers, access fence with gates and bleachers.

Phase 3: Optional Field Accessories

Additional onsite infrastructure such as restrooms/changing rooms and a walking trail around the completed fields would accent this area and enhance the East
Side of Saint John