Sports enthusiasts and community members can look forward to the new artificial turf field at Solomon Calhoun Community Center in St. Johns County. A major field upgrade is nearing completion, transforming the traditional grass field into a more durable and versatile space for lacrosse, soccer, and football. In a statement obtained by St. Johns County's official website, Chris Gatchell, Project Manager for St. Johns County Public Works, described the project's goal to make the field usable year-round with enhanced drainage systems to prevent flooding.
Expected to significantly cut down on weather-related downtime, the artificial surface will allow for immediate gameplay post rain, expressed by Chris Gatchell to St. Johns County's Office of Public Affairs. Funded by the Fiscal Year 2023 Tourist Development Tax dollars, the upgrade doesn’t only promise minimal maintenance but also bolsters the complex's ability to host multiple sports tournaments. "After a long rain, you can still come use the field with minimal maintenance for the Parks and Recreation Department," explained Gatchell in a video released by the county.
Initiated in February, the construction has been progressing as planned and is anticipated to wrap up this very month. While talking about the benefits of the field's upgrade, Gatchell told St. Johns County's Office of Public Affairs, "This is a big improvement to the community." He highlighted the advantage of the all-weather field, allowing constant use by diverse sports groups throughout the year.
As the current artificial turf project draws to a close, plans for Phase II of the improvements at Solomon Calhoun Community Center are already underway. These envisioned further enhancements include additional amenities like restrooms, stadium seating, and more, intending to draw larger events to the site. In a hopeful note, Gatchell said to the county's Office of Public Affairs, “Hopefully, we can get that going in the next few years.”
The recent updates to Solomon Calhoun Community Center signify the focused efforts by St. Johns County to invest in community recreation, widen youth sports accessibility, and up its game in the regional tournament hosting sphere. As these developments unfold, they reflect both the aspirations and commitments of the region towards its residents' quality of life and participation in sports.
