Spectators at Walsh Field will be getting a better view of the action.
For its second phase of the turf field and track project, Walsh Field is getting two new bleachers, increasing the seating capacity for high-level sporting events.
“Right now, our stand holds about 450 in total, and the new bleachers will hold about 600 per bleacher,” said Dan Jubinville, president of Bonnyville Amateur Football Association (BAFA). “We’re about tripling our stand capacity.”
They’re hoping to have this step in the project finished in time for this season.
“It’s going to be quite impressive,” expressed Mickey Fagnan, head coach for the Bonnyville Bandits. “People are going to be sitting high up and I think it’s really going to be a benefit to see the field.”
The installation of new bleachers, renovations on the sidewalks, and work on the fences is already underway.
“We’re doing it right now and we’re supposed to be done by July 15,” Jubinville explained. “Everything should be done for our (football) season.”
Although they’re creating more space for those watching the game unfold, with that comes a need for additional parking space.
The issue was discussed during the Town of Bonnyville’s regular council meeting on Tuesday, May 8.
“We don’t have a huge parking lot, so we’d have to utilize other parking lots,” noted Jubinville, adding if they do host a large event at Walsh Field, they could use the Bonnyville Centennial Centre for additional parking space.
He added, “Basically what we need from the town is an ‘okay’ to wave the parking restrictions and to allow us to use the C2 parking when needed.”
Any parking complaints from the neighbours or surrounding areas will be reviewed.
Council was also presented with two conditions regarding additional garbage receptacles and cleaning the site after an event. Coun. Elisa Brosseau gave the upgrade a thumbs up.
“I think it’s a great idea. The intention for upgrading it was to provide features as well, so that we could host provincial-level tournaments whether it be track and field or football.”
A portion of the $2.6-million donated to the Walsh Field project will be used to cover the $800,000 cost of updating the bleachers.
“Our stands were getting old, they weren’t big enough, and not safe,” expressed Jubinville. “These new ones are going to be a lot safer, nicer, and have a better viewing area.”
Fagnan added, “The town is going to see tremendous uptick in local traffic when we have provincial events. It’s going to be quite beneficial to the Bonnyville area.”
The field is used by a number of local sports groups. Rugby, football, and soccer teams all take advantage of the top-quality turf.
