$960K new turf field being installed in Ladysmith

After 14 years, the original turf is finally getting a much needed boot.

Forrest Field is about to get a fresh new playing surface, bringing better footing, improved performance and a new lease on life to one of the mid-Island’s busiest soccer fields. For the hundreds of local players who chase the ball across its artificial grass each season, the upgrade promises to make every pass, tackle and goal that much better.

The original artificial turf field was installed in 2012 and will be closed for what the town hopes will be four weeks, but the nearby practice warm-up pitch will remain open to all users.

“As far as the old turf, it has been removed as part of the replacement project,” a statement from the town says. “Sections of the material that can be recycled or repurposed will be managed through the contractor’s disposal and recycling program, where feasible.”

According to the town the new turf is a modern product designed for multi-sport use. While similar in function to the previous surface, advances in turf technology over the last 14 years have resulted in improved materials and performance characteristics. The replacement project is being completed at a cost of approximately $960,000.

The town said the old turf has reached the end of its expected service life.

“Replacement was necessary to maintain a safe, reliable, and high-quality playing surface for the community,” the town said.

In the removal of the original turf, the rubber chips used as infill on the field were vacuumed up by the contractor for re-use, which is expected to reduce the amount of new infill needed and thus lower project costs.

The project has experienced some delays but in recent weeks work has progressed well and the field is anticipated to reopen by Sept. 25

Forrest Field is heavily utilized seven days per week by a wide array of user groups. Participants range from pony soccer aged youth through to adult athletes. In addition to soccer, the field also supports ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, football, and other community recreation activities. To maintain the field the town conducts regular inspections, cleaning, grooming, and minor repairs.

“In addition, the town plans to utilize a specialized turf maintenance machine for the annual maintenance, which helps keep the playing surface in optimal condition and is expected to extend the life of the new turf,” the town said.

Artificial turf eliminates the cost of regular mowing, irrigation, fertilizing and other requirements of natural grass.