Make that three locations in the North Bay area that will have turf fields.
Nipissing University announced today that it will be building a turf field to provide enhanced facilities for students and community members to learn, compete, exercise and cheer.
“This is all about enhancing the experience for our students and providing opportunities for our community,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, president and vice-chancellor stated in a University release.
“The new field will benefit the many students who utilize it for classes and intramural sports. It will also be an advantage for researchers in the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education program and will be a much-improved home for varsity soccer and lacrosse teams and fans.
Degagne stated the school athletics will benefit from the surface, however, he insisted it will also be available for youth sports, and adult leagues and can attract provincial championships.
“A significant portion of my research is conducted in the field examining coach-athlete and athlete-athlete interactions in youth sports,” said Dr. Mark Bruner, Canada Research Chair in Youth Development through Sports and Physical Activity.
“The turf field will attract more youth teams to campus and will provide a fantastic and convenient location for my work looking into team dynamics and how to create positive developmental sports environments for youth.”
The previous field posed challenges, as its use was dependent on good weather, and it was often unavailable for student and community use. Varsity games and practices, field-related coursework and intramural sports often had to be moved to a different location to protect the field in wet conditions. Having to close the field regularly impacted the gym as well, since field classes were moved inside, taking up gym time when students use the indoor facility freely. The turf field can be used in virtually any weather, electrical storms being the exception.
“It was difficult for our varsity teams and their fans to be forced to play across town on a regular basis. They really didn’t have many true home games,” said Vito Castiglione, athletics director.
“We’re really excited for our student-athletes in soccer and lacrosse to be able to play on campus in front of more cheering students and fans.”
Construction will begin on the new field in early July and will be completed in October. It will replace the existing soccer pitch, located adjacent to the Robert J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre.
The new field will measure 64m x 100m and is designed in accordance with FIFA standards. It features lighting and perimeter fencing. The project has a $2.1million construction budget.
The university will see significant savings on annual maintenance costs with the new turf field and will be able to utilize the field more effectively. Nipissing estimates annual maintenance on the new field to cost $7,000.
Annual maintenance on the existing field cost $15,000 - $20,000.
North Bay already has two turf field surfaces located at the Omischl Sports Complex and another one has been recently built at the new Cundari Field at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall.
