You won't be able to use Trasolini Field to sharpen your skills in field hockey, soccer or any other outdoor sport for the next little while.
As of today (Sept. 7), Port Moody says the facility will be closed for up to eight weeks as crews begin a $1.1-million turf replacement project.
It includes the removal of the synthetic turf and warm-up fields.
The city adds public washrooms at the field — located at 300 Ioco Rd. behind the Port Moody Recreation Complex — will still be open and maintained for public use during the closure.
The current turf has aged significantly with some adult sports groups claiming the field is hard on their bodies and normally request times to play at Heritage Woods instead.
In January this year, Ron Higo, Port Moody’s general manger of community services, told city council’s finance committee turf fields have a finite lifespan as its fibres break down from wear and tear and UV light, reducing its cushioning.
Members of the finance committee ultimately agreed the field should be replaced.
"This is something that has been planned, prepared for and budgeted for," said Coun. Diana Dilworth, adding the extra expense of using alternative materials for fill, like thermoplastic elastomer or even a product derived from ground up walnut shells, that staff estimated would boost the project’s budget to more than $1.4 million wasn’t worth it.
The Trasolini Field replacement project's eight-week window puts its completion date sometime over the final week of October or early November.
- with files from Mario Bartel, Tri-City News
