City and Soccer League Reach Agreement for New Field

The will soon be home to the city’s first artificial turf soccer field.

The Encinitas Express soccer league is launching a $1 million fundraising campaign for the project after the City Council unanimously gave the green light to move forward.

The memorandum of understanding between the city and nonprofit group states that Encinitas Express will raise the money for this project, and the city will put it out to bid. John Wadas, who helped La Costa Canyon High School raise $2 million for its artificial turf field and track, will spearhead fundraising efforts for this project. The goal is to have all the funds raised by January, begin construction by March, and have the new field ready for use by June.

According to a city staff report, the artificial turf will allow the field to be used an extra three months out of the year, and it’s projected to save the city about $40,000 in maintenance.

The new field is also being installed with hopes of keeping more local talent in Encinitas, as many star players go to neighboring leagues in cities like Carlsbad, which has four artificial turf fields.

The memorandum of understanding also states that per federal requirements for all 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Encinitas Express soccer league is not to engage in any political campaigning, a concern raised by Councilwoman Teresa Barth, who said she had heard that candidate endorsement literature had been distributed at past games.

Recently, the artificial turf field at La Costa Canyon High School had to be replaced, causing concern among some residents. When Barth inquired about the upkeep of the material, Wadas said that warranty covered the issues at the La Costa Canyon field, and assured her that artificial turf requires little maintenance. The artificial turf, which is made from recycled tires, can overheat but city staff said there would be an irrigation system to help curb that issue. 

In Other Action:

Georgia Schmid was named to the Commission for the Arts. City Council unanimously voted to appoint her to a term that will end March 2013. In her role on the commission, Schmid will help prepare recommendations to the council on issues related to visual, performing and literary arts.