Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening of New Multi-Sport Turf Field

As local sports teams christened the field, the Garden City Board of Trustees held a ribbon cutting ceremony August 17, 2017 on the newly renovated multi-sport turf field at Community Park, the latest example of the Department of Recreation and Parks’ Strategic Plan in motion.

“I believe this multi-sport field is an incredible asset for the Village. We look forward to scheduling the field and maximizing its use for the benefit of all those participating in our great local sports programs,” said Kevin Ocker, chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs. “We thank the Recreation Commission, all of our local sports organizations, the Board of Trustees and former Trustee Dick Silver for their collaboration and support for this project. All can be very proud of adding this premier field to our recreational facility inventory.”

The multi-purpose field is used for soccer, lacrosse and football. Sports groups using the new turf field for practices and games in the upcoming year include Garden City Centennial Soccer, GCAA Thunder Football, Garden City Rams Girls’ Lacrosse and Garden City Youth Boys’ Lacrosse.

Rick Harken, president of the Garden City Centennial Soccer Club, attended Thursday’s ceremony. “We have over 220 home travel soccer games this fall so the additional field space is a welcomed enhancement to the other field locations in the Village. It will also allow our teams to schedule evening games and practices.”

Harken added, “The turf itself is a technological advancement over previous versions and should reduce the number of turf related injuries. The Village officials who conceived and executed the Department of Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan should be commended for their excellent foresight.”

It is anticipated that anywhere between 12 and 20 games will be played during the weekends during the spring and fall seasons, with each group receiving dedicated practice time during the week nights. The field is now fully lighted with permanent stadium lighting.