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Artificial turf and video scoreboard could be coming to Walsh Field

Walsh Field could be getting a $2.1 million makeover.
After installing stadium lights last year officials with the Bonnyville Amateur Football Association hope to continue work around Walsh Field
After installing stadium lights last year officials with the Bonnyville Amateur Football Association hope to continue work around Walsh Field

Walsh Field could be getting a $2.1 million makeover.

Officials with the Bonnyville Amateur Football Association have developed a five-part plan, which would see a new artificial field turf, a new running track, a state-of-the-art video scoreboard, a new training facility and a media equipment room added to the local field.

"The project in itself is a community project. We really value the community atmosphere here." said Mickey Fagnan, President of the Bonnyville Amateur Football Association.

The Bonnyville Soccer Association and Bonnyville Lacrosse Association were both notified of the project as the new multi-use field would be for their benefit as well.

According to Fagnan, there are 745 kids across the football, soccer and lacrosse associations who could potentially use the redeveloped field.

Representatives from the football association have been in discussions with FieldTurf, a Canadian-based company, which is the global leader in the production and installation of artificial field turf.

Kevin Pipe, a regional sales manager with FieldTurf, pitched his product to the Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) board on Jan. 20.

Getting the approval of LCSD officials is the first step for the project, as the school district owns the field.

According to Pipe, six of nine CFL teams and 20 of 32 NFL teams currently play on fields with the artificial FieldTurf product. The turf is also FIFA certified and is used on soccer pitches all over the world, including the surfaces of every field used in the 2015 Women's World Cup.

"The idea is for you to have a top quality field," said Pipe. "To do that you need to choose a turf that will have the maximum performance."

FieldTurf is one of the highest rated in regards to performance, playability, durability and safety.

Studies have shown it to have a 10 to 27 per cent lower incident of injuries compared to other field turf and infill surfaces, according to Pipe.

The new artificial turf, which would cover the entire 105,000 square feet of Walsh Field, is estimated to cost $1.3 million.

The second aspect of the Walsh Field project is the walking and running track. FieldTurf could also install a completely new rubberized surface for the running track, as it is also one of their specializations.

"We are trying to work from the middle of the field out," said Fagnan.

After the artificial turf and new track are installed the football association would turn their attention to inserting a new top of the line video scoreboard at the southwest corner of the field.

"Right now we do not have a comparable scoreboard. It was sufficient in its day, but it needs to be moved and enlarged," said Fagnan.

A 30-foot wide, 10-foot tall scoreboard would be at the bottom of the new structure, with a 30-foot wide, 18-foot tall video board on top.

"A board of that size and that quality...as you pass by the field that board is staring at you."

In order to help offset the cost of the project, Fagnan says the football association would sell advertisements on the board. Community events would be advertised free of charge.

"Like any sports organization we are always up against the wall for finances," said Fagnan. "In this day and age and in our environment it is a tough thing."

The makeover for Walsh Field would also see two new buildings added around the field.

A training facility, 30-feet wide by 70-feet long, would be built to house training equipment, a visitors dressing room and eating space for post-game meals.

"It would provide us with a next leg up. Half of the building would be a training facility. That part of the football program is ultimate. It is the missing link in our program," said Fagnan.

The second building would be a media equipment room, which would be able to house 30 players and coaches while they go over game film. This building would also be a place for the football association to place memorabilia and showcase trophies and awards.

Fagnan hasn't set to timeframe for the project, noting that it is in an early stage of development.

The group is determined to push forward with their grand idea for a massive redevelopment of Walsh Field.

"Right now I am quite impressed. I am pleased with this," said LCSD Superintendent Joe Arruda. "But it is the board of trustees (who need to make a decision)."

The LCSD board planned to talk about the proposed project behind close doors and is expected to make a decision on the matter in the near future.

All the football association is searching for right now is support from the board and the local community.

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