The Okanagan’s first artificial outdoor sports field will allow thousands of people to get their kicks year-round.The $5.1-million field is already booked until Christmas, people attending Saturday’s official opening at the Mission recreation
complex in Kelowna heard.“It’s a great day for sporting enthusiasts in Kelowna,” Mayor Sharon Shepherd told the several hundred people in attendance.Players from local football, soccer, field hockey, rugby, lacrosse and ultimate Frisbee leagues took part in the ceremonial kickoff at centre field.More than 50 community groups currently log over 30,000 playing hours on city sports fields, most of which are open from mid-April to mid-October.Because there aren’t the same issues of wear-and-tear and a seasonal shutdown, the new artificial turf will be used four times more often than a natural field.It features a state-of-the-art design that combines versatility, hardiness and performance, said recreation director David Graham.Early artificial turf was essentially “carpets on concrete,” he said, and were notorious for producing injuries to athletes.The current generation of artificial fields provide excellent traction with a certain “give” that limits the risk of injuries.“This playing field is superior to all but the most perfect grass fields,” Graham said.That assessment was shared by Kevin Wright, a minor football player, after he ran around the new field with some friends: “You can make a pretty sharp turn, and I don’t think there’s much chance of your knee locking up or anything.”Though it’s an artificial surface, the field will actually have to be watered on especially hot days to keep it cool enough to play on. Eight water cannons are located around the field, which has permanently painted lines to accommodate a variety of sports.Overhead lights are designed to provide illumination straight down, limiting the brightness that will spill over into surrounding neighbourhoods in the evening.Plans call for the eventual addition of bleachers on the west side of the field, with around 1,000 seats likely to be installed next year.The provincial government provided $1.5 million toward the construction cost of the new artificial playing field.“Enjoy your new field of dreams,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Sindi Hawkins.Being able to play outdoor sports for a longer time through the year should help the development of more elite-level athletes in Kelowna, one parent of a young soccer player suggested.“It’s no good if they have to basically quit the sport for six months every year and just train inside,” Rick Craig said. “The more they can play the game, the better they get at it.”
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