Construction of a full-sized outdoor artificial turf field with lighting at Bayly Park in Cheakamus Crossing is set to begin this summer following the approval of tenders for construction by Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Council at their regular meeting on June 5. Subject to weather and construction timelines, the field is anticipated to be ready for use in the spring of 2019.
"The Artificial Turf Field will benefit the Whistler community and visitors for years to come and is the result of diligent research and community consultation,” said Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. “I look forward to seeing the addition of this new recreational amenity for Whistler.”
The new Artificial Turf field will provide an improved outdoor playing surface in Whistler and help meet the community’s high demand for sport fields, particularly in the spring and fall. The field will be constructed atop the existing gravel soccer field at Bayly Park and include markings for soccer, baseball infield and football yards. Artificial turf fields are common across many jurisdictions in North America and in some professional sport team stadiums.
Public consultation and review
Council approved the development of the project following public consultation and review. The roots of the project originated in 2008 with community discussion about a potential field during the development of the Bayly Park Master Plan. In response to community discussions and the Recreation Leisure Master Plan, the RMOW began investigations into an artificial turf field in 2015. A careful review of potential sites was undertaken and Bayly Park was chosen as the preferred site in November 2017.
The budget for the project is $2.815 million.
For full details visit whistler.ca/artificialturf.
