With construction coming to a head, excitement around Walsh Field is starting to build.
Despite poor weather conditions throughout the spring, the field is well on it's way to be ready for turf installation.
Bonnyville Bantam Bandits head coach Mickey Fagnan estimates that aspect of the project is about three-quarters of the way done.
“The turf should arrive here around June 17. We expect to be fully completed the field somewhere between August 1 to 7. We're about 75 per cent finished on that,” Fagnan added.
Surrounding the field will be an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) certified track. This would make Walsh Field one of five locations in Alberta capable of holding IAAF events.
Competitors will be able to train for sporting events like steeplechase and pole vaulting, a luxury that didn't exist previously.
Fagnan expects the addition to attract major attention from competitors around the province.
“This is going to bring provincial meets to Bonnyville, which is something that has never been done before in a small town. We're going to see top-notch athletes from all over Alberta, right here at our field,” Fagnan informed.
Not only will the field bring athletes here, it'll make Bonnyville's even better. Professional playing surfaces will provide local youth with an edge in multiple sports.
Larry Godziuk, who doubles as the football and track and field coach at Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS), explained how a proper playing field can make all the difference late in the season. While Godziuk is appreciative of the old field, he's excited for the upgrades to finish.
“We've used that old field for the better part of 30 years, it's been both bad and good to us,” Godziuk remembered. “We're excited for the new one because in the fall when games start to get meaningful, having a consistent playing field under your feet is a definite advantage. We're really looking forward to it.”
Athletes on Godziuk's track team also stand to gain a lot from the upgrade.
“The surface provides advantages the kids just wouldn't see if they didn't have access to it. There's no substitute for training on a proper track where you can use appropriate footwear,” Godziuk noted.
Work on the grand stands, which will hold 2,000 people at capacity, will continue after the surfaces are useable. If all goes according to plan, athletes should be able to start using the facility by late August, and they may even be joined by some special guests.
“It's all tentative right now because it depends on the weather, but we've been talking to teams like the Edmonton Eskimos and Saskatchewan Hilltops. We aim to get them to send some guys down to the field,” Fagnan said.
The upgrade will not only benefit track and field, and football programs, but youth across town. When all is said and done, Fagnan expects the new Walsh Field to be the home of summer sports in Bonnyville.
“We're providing a facility where soccer, football, lacrosse, and track and field events will be able to take place at a very high level. The football association is very excited to include all of these different disciplines.”
