CommunityCouncilSports

Big break for users of new Paradise turf

By Mark Squibb/April 21, 2022

Youth sports associations planning on using Paradise’s new multi-use turf field this summer will be glad to hear the Town has waived rental fees for the 2022 season.

“This turf is scheduled to open this summer, and as this is the inaugural season for the new turf, the committee is recommending not implementing the 2021 approved fees for minor associations,” explained councillor Elizabeth Laurie, chairperson of the Recreation and Community Services Committee, at last week’s public meeting.

Fees for senior leagues will remain applicable at or $140 an hour or $170 an hour with lights.

Laurie added the Recreation Open Space Master Plan recommended a review of all rates and fees once again for 2023 budget talks, and that waiving fees for minor sports associations would result in a shortfall of recreation revenue, of which just over $300,000 has been budgeted.

The motion that the Town waive rental fees for all minor associations for use of the new multi-turf field for the inaugural 2022 season passed unanimously and with little discussion.

The Town marked the start of construction on the $2 million field, a project it is undertaking on its own without funds from either senior level of government, in November 2021, and expects the field will be operational in time for the 2022 sporting season.

The multi-use field can be used by soccer, baseball, and football minor sporting programs, and enhanced lighting will mean that athletes can play long into the night.

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