There are two new places to play in Nanaimo’s Harewood neighbourhood.
On Saturday, April 20, the City of Nanaimo officially opened its two new artificial turf sports fields at Harewood Centennial Park.
Flag football games were held in the morning ahead of an opening ceremony.
The complex includes one football field and one soccer pitch, with field lacrosse and minor baseball other user groups interested in using the venue. The adjacent high school, John Barsby Secondary, will also be able to use the fields for phys ed classes, and the Barsby Bulldogs football team has already scheduled Friday night games under the lights this fall.
The project cost $9.9 million, with $3.3 million from the federal government, $3 million from the province, $700,000 from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and the balance from the city.
The fields are already open for use and the facility features LED field lighting, covered benches and walkways. Some amenities are still to come this summer, including 400 bleacher seats, a media/coaching tower, and parking along Seventh Street.
Several speakers at the opening ceremony mentioned that the project means a lot to the Harewood neighbourhood.
“You can tell the dynamic, the energy, the local community that’s being built around these facilities,” said school trustee Tom Rokeby. “This may be kind of the crowning jewel, but it’s been happening for a bit. We’re catching up to the kids. We’re finally getting where we always needed to be.”
Snuneymuxw Coun. Kate Good said to see the project come to life is huge for the south end and for the health and wellness of youths.
“Sport is what’s going to save our children. I am a firm believer,” she said. “We keep our kids active in sports [and] education, it’s going to take them a long way.”
Lisa Marie Barron, Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP, recalled that the school district began partnering with the city on the Harewood turf fields when she was a school trustee, and said it was always a project that was easy to get behind.
“I really believe in the value in having spaces like this for us to be able to participate in sport, to be able to build those great memories together,” she said.
Nanaimo MLA Sheila Malcolmson agreed, saying that sports build community and playing benefits not only fitness, but also mental health.
“This was the right thing for the city to build and to advocate for,” she said. “This is a community that hasn’t had enough sports amenities and I know a lot of coaches and parents and players have made do … but what a major step forward.”
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