Soccer and rugby enthusiasts in Salt Lake County have a renewed reason to rejoice as local teams gear up to break in the freshly renovated Salt Lake County Athletic Fields with an inaugural exhibition game. The Wasatch Soccer Club, Murray Soccer Club, and a youth rugby squad are set to christen the fields on October 17, following a major upgrade made possible by a financial boost from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Transformational Initiative (TI) funding.
These field enhancements, helmed by Landscape Architect Matt Winward of G Brown Design, Inc. and executed by Hughes General Contractors, sport a total area of artificial turf amounting to 7.4 acres, equivalent to 323,700 square feet. Meanwhile, former natural turf expanses covering 1.7 acres have been converted into water-wise plantings. This smart redesign is pivotal not just in improving the local athletics landscape, but also in supporting Salt Lake County's drive towards conservation, as reported by Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation.
At a time when the Great Salt Lake's water levels have been a cause for concern, these fields stand as a testament to the prudent use of resources. As stated by Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, the county is now "saving about 50,000 gallons of water per day," thanks to the introduction of this professional-grade artificial turf, a significant conservation effort noticed by the local government and community alike.
It's not just about conservation, though, as these fields are envisioned as a bastion for community health and recreation. "Having fields that can be played on year-round will give kids more opportunities to exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and spend time with family, and friends," Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton emphasized the social and fitness benefits of the renovation, as stated by Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. As the fields are equipped to support activities from dawn until dusk, they are anticipated to actively contribute to the community's overall well-being.
Everyone's invited to witness the fields’ debut at the corner of Murray Park Lane, adjacent to the Salt Lake County Ice Center. The October 17 showcase, which kicks off at 3 pm and winds down at 4:30 pm, will not only display sporting prowess but will also highlight the versatile quality of the new fields. Attendees of the event will include Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, among other local dignitaries, offering a perfect opportunity for the community to come together and revel in the upgraded facility.
