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Artificial turf field in Mission?

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An artificial turf field

How to bring an artificial turf field to Mission will be discussed at an informal meeting between the municipality and school board officials.

Mission Public Schools’ superintendent Frank Dunham and secretary treasurer Carrie McVeigh had met with District of Mission’s Glen Robertson, chief administrative officer, and Ray Herman, parks and recreation director,late last year about a joint funding arrangement.

Another meeting was planned for sometime this week, confirmed Dunham.

An artificial turf field is an expensive project, said Herman. Costs could range, depending on site conditions, from $2.5- to $3.5-million.

Offsetting the high price tag is the “significantly” lower maintenance cost.

“Artificial fields don’t need to be cut and don’t need to be watered,” he explained. Grass field annual upkeep costs vary between $10,000 and $15,000 per field.

Many user groups have started requesting this type of facility, Herman added.

Due to Mission’s regularly rainy weather, the grass fields take a beating from all the different sports clamouring for use, such as soccer, field lacrosse and football. Local fields at the Sports Park are regularly shutdown because the playing surface would “just get thrashed,” he said.

On an artificial field, Herman continued, “you can go all day long and not worry about wear and tear.”

Research the parks and rec director has found indicates an artificial turf field can handle the same level of playability as four grass fields.

The two groups will also be exploring ways to bring in other partnerships with some minor sports organizations. Mission Soccer Club is interested in getting “the ball rolling,” according to the district.

A meeting for all stakeholders to discuss the project further, including identifying locations and amenities, is being organized for the spring.

- with files from

Carol Aun