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Paradise turns sod on $2M sports facility

By Mark Squibb/November 11, 2021

Work is underway on a new multi-sport turf field at the Dianne Whalen Memorial Soccer Complex.

The Town hosted a sod turning event on Tuesday to mark the construction of the field.

Members of council, along with representatives from Paradise Soccer Club and Avalon Minor Football, Sport NL, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association, were on hand to put shovels to the sods.

Paradise Minor Baseball was unable to attend, although did send comments to be read at the event.

Mayor Dan Bobbett, addressing the crowd of about 40 that had gathered, said that sporting facilities are necessary to growing athletic programs, which in turn foster a greater sense of community.

“We rally around our house league teams, we eagerly follow when Paradise teams play in tournaments, and we cheer with pride when our local athletes make provincial and national teams,” said Bobbett. “Watching and following sporting events gives us a reason to come together as a community, and we have certainly seen that in Paradise.”

The field comes with a $2 million dollar price tag, the entire cost of which will be covered by the town.

“It is an important investment, and that is why the town is committed to fully funding this project,” said Bobbett.

Construction will continue as long as weather permits. Work will resume in the spring, with the town hopeful that the field, complete with lighting system, will be ready for the 2022 sport season.

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