The City of Yorkton is going to invest the lion’s share of its 2017 surplus in a pair of soccer pitches.
“Administration was asked to provide cost estimates to complete the two north soccer pitches at Logan Green, which could be funded from the 2017 surplus of $427, 000,” explained Darcy McLeod, Director Community Development, Parks &
Recreation with the city, at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council on Jun. 4.
McLeod said the pitches have always been planned.
“When the water treatment plant was being built, six soccer pitches were shaped and seeded; however, they were significantly damaged from the spring run-off the following year and the two most southerly pitches could not be salvaged at the time,” said McLeod.
“The two middle fields were in the best shape but required significant remedial work to create a playable surface; including irrigation, reshaping, and re-seeding along with significant fertilization.
“Issues with the soil used for the repairs lacked proper nutrients to sustain healthy turf growth; therefore, a special blend of fertilizer was required.
“The two north soccer pitches also lost their shape making them unusable for regulation soccer games. The north soccer fields require re-shaping and re-seeding in order to make them playable for regulation soccer games and would be a priority for development over the two south pitches.”
The pitches are required to enhance local soccer programs, said McLeod.
“Until this area was developed, the community soccer program used various school grounds as well as a private field located at the Parkland Mall. Some community soccer started using the two Logan Green pitches in 2017, and work continues to bring them to a standard that would support higher level competition,” he said.
“Providing two additional soccer pitches would allow the soccer community to host their entire program at one location as well as host large events, including provincials and other tournaments, which they currently are not able to do. Although these fields are built to accommodate soccer activities, they can also be used for other related sports.
Any users need to keep in mind the requirement to ensure a safe playing surface means ongoing maintenance requirements that can only be performed during the summer months. Having four soccer pitches/sports fields will allow the City to rest one pitch per season in order to perform necessary maintenance such as over-seeding and aeration and let the field rest to regain its health and improve the playability and long-term sustainability of the City’s asset.”
In terms of costs, McLeod stated the city administration has updated previous estimates from sport field contractors including soil provision, irrigation, shaping, seeding, and fertilizing. The estimated cost to complete the two north soccer fields is $270,000. There will be a 10 per cent contingency plan ($27,000), bringing the project to $297,000, plus applicable taxes.
Both the irrigation and the construction portions require tendering on Sask Tenders. The administration has talked with contractors who have indicated that the work could be completed this year, explained McLeod. It will be at least 2020 before the pitches can be used.
Council was unanimous in supporting the expenditure.
