The City of Surprise is basking in the spotlight after their local gem, The Fields at Countryside, earned the title of Soccer Field of the Year in the Schools & Parks category, courtesy of the Sports Field Managers Association (SFMA). The award stands as recognition for the city's dedication to maintaining top-notch sports grounds and supporting youth sports initiatives, according to the City of Surprise.
With a membership base including heavy-hitters from MLB, NFL, NCAA, and various Parks and Recreation departments across the country, SFMA is known for its highly competitive Field of the Year program. This accolade serves to officially acknowledge the tireless efforts that the Surprise parks and maintenance teams have poured to truly make these fields stand out. In a statement made by the City of Surprise government website, Parks Supervisor Steve Hamilton commented, "These fields were built for our youth sports participants and to be able to give Surprise young athletes, including my own children, a major league quality field to play on is a dream."
The kudos extend beyond just the fields to a collective effort that includes City leadership and partners such as Willmeng Construction, Site Works, and West Coast Turf. Special recognition was also given to the former mayor, the Surprise City Council, and the Parks Commission Board. Behind the scenes, individuals like Antonio Duran, Eddie Lovett, and Jose Padilla were credited for their hands-on work in maintaining the fields to such a high standard.
Surprise Parks Maintenance Manager Ian Campbell expressed the team's commitment to excellence, saying, "Through hard work and passion, our team ensures the Fields at Countryside are truly a cut above." These words proudly reflect a city keen to continually raise the bar in providing exceptional spaces for community members. The full list of acknowledgments and more information on the city's parks can be found at the City of Surprise website.
