Horsham Soccer Association Breaks Ground On Turf Fields

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —For more than a decade, the Horsham Soccer Association talked about replacing the grass fields at Kohler Park. They watched the fields flood and they went through numerous cancellations of youth soccer games.

But last week, with the sun shining, the organization began the task of putting those rainy days behind them by holding a ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of new turf fields at the Kohler Soccer Complex on 1100 Limekiln Pike.

"This is a long-time coming, like 10 to 15 years," HSA President Nick Bellizzie told the gathering of 50 people for the dedication last Wednesday. "This has been a group effort between the township, township council —the list is long."

The ceremonial dedication was attended by the Horsham Township Council, Township Manager Bill Walker, state Sen. Maria Collett, state Rep. Melissa Cerrato, and former state Rep. Todd Stephens, among other dignitaries and guests.

"I'm a Horsham resident so it's always nice to see improvements to the community," Cerrato said. "The fields often flood and we can't play games. The new turf will enable the kids to do what they love."

Collett, who represents the 12th Legislative District, said that Horsham Township is ranked in the top 5 percent for having one of the best parks systems in the state.

She said that soccer grass fields have not been spared from stormwater issues and that more than 800 children use the fields. "We want to keep these kids playing," she said.

Bellizzie said construction will begin at the end of the month for a full field, and a secondary field. He said the organization began fundraising more than a year ago and secured three state grants to cover 90 percent of the $1 million cost.

No timetable was given for when the fields would be completed.

"It really does take an army to create something like this," Township Council President Mark McCouch said. "It's taken years to get it done. This property will be used for many more years and now even in inclement weather."

Corporate sponsors included US Mortgage Corporation, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Turn 14 Distribution,and Doc Bresler's Cavity Busters.

"It was a heartwarming sight to see our community come together for this wonderful occasion. The new turf fields will be a game-changer for the soccer association and the Horsham community," Horsham Township said in a Facebook post. "We can't wait to see the finished product and all the wonderful opportunities it will bring to our township."