Game on! New artificial turf fields at Harewood Centennial Park ready for play

Summary

On the afternoon of Saturday, April 20, 2024, two new artificial turf fields at Harewood Centennial Park were declared open and ready for play. These multi-use fields will see plenty of action as soccer, field lacrosse, football and minor baseball teams practice and play during the day and into the evenings beneath the lights.

Some highlights of the new fields include LED field lighting, paved walkways, covered benches, a media/coaching booth (summer 2024), and bleachers with 400 seats for family, friends and fans. New parking is accessible from Howard Avenue as well as soon-to-be-complete parking along Seventh Street (summer 2024).

The new artificial turf fields can be used 24/7 (should there be demand) rain or shine, and are game-ready. These two fields are the 4th and 5th artificial turf fields in Nanaimo.

Total project cost for the new turf fields was $9.9 million dollars, which includes $3 million from the Province of BC's Growing Communities Fund, $3.3 million from the Government of Canada's Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and $700,000 from School District 68. The remaining was funded by the City of Nanaimo. The school district's athletic programs, including John Barsby High School's award-winning football program, will regularly use the East field. Other organizations can now book the fields through Parks and Recreation at the City of Nanaimo.

Harewood Centennial Park has become a destination park and a highlight of south Nanaimo. Other City amenities at the park include a water park, playground with new accessible play features, youth skate park, multi-use covered sports court, lacrosse box, mountain bike skills park and some beautiful natural areas along the Chase River.

City of Nanaimo field availability can be found at nanaimo.ca and fields can be booked by calling Parks and Recreation at 250-756-5200. Email parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca for more information.

Link to Strategic Plan: Council is committed to capital projects of all sizes that contribute to service and quality of life improvements across our growing city.

Key Points

  • Two new multi-use artificial turf fields at Harewood Centennial Park are now open and ready for play.
  • Highlights of the new fields include LED field lighting, paved walkways, covered benches, a media/coaching booth (summer 2024), and bleachers with 400 seats for family, friends and fans. New parking is accessible from Howard Avenue as well as soon-to-be-complete parking along Seventh Street (summer 2024).
  • City of Nanaimo field availability can be found at www.nanaimo.ca and fields can be booked by calling Parks and Recreation at 250-756-5200.

Quotes

"We celebrate a momentous occasion for the Harewood community as we unveil two new cutting-edge artificial turf fields. These fields represent more than just green space; they are a symbol of pride, opportunity and unity for our community. From football to soccer and many other sports, these fields will be home to countless sporting achievements, providing our youth with the facilities they deserve."

Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"Expanding recreational opportunities is essential to creating vibrant communities, especially as warmer weather approaches. The new multi-use artificial turf fields at Harewood Centennial Park will permit Nanaimo athletes of all ages and abilities to hone their skills rain or shine, and where family and friends can cheer them on. We will continue to support projects that bolster communities, helping Canadians stay active and enjoy the outdoors."

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Government of Canada

Quick Facts

  • Plans for the current Harewood Centennial Park began more than a decade ago and were adopted by Nanaimo's City Council back in 2012. The plan outlined a phased vision to develop high-quality recreational amenities and a community gathering place for all ages in the heart of Harewood and south Nanaimo.
  • Nanaimo has 5 artificial turf fields: the two Merle Logan fields at Beban Park, Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Field in Nanaimo's stadium district and two new artificial turf fields at Harewood Centennial Park.

Images

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Contact:

For media inquiries, please contact
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

Print News Release

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