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Mackie Park is first field to get its turf replaced

Council awards almost $1 million in contracts
field
Delta is collecting tax money to replace the synthetic surfaces at all turf fields.

Soccer players will have a new surface to play on this September as Delta is replacing the synthetic turf at the field in North Delta's Mackie Park.

At a special meeting of Delta council last Friday morning, councillors awarded a pair of contracts for almost $1 million for the project that will begin in May.

Cedar Crest Lands Ltd. was awarded a contract for just about $488,000 to complete the civil works, while Astro Turf West Distributors Ltd. was awarded a $471,000 contract to supply and install the new synthetic turf surfacing system.

"Underneath the turf there are a series of drainpipes, so we will be replacing and refurbishing that, so that work is considered the civil works," said Ken Kuntz, director of parks, recreation and culture. "When that field went in the specifications was one inch of drainage per hour, but the new specifications is 10 inches of drainage per hour, so we just want to make sure it's more robust."

Kuntz said construction won't start until the conclusion of the current soccer season and also because warmer weather is needed to ensure the turf adheres properly. Construction is expected to wrap up in August with the field back in play by September.

The Mackie Park work is the first in a cycle of surface replacements at Delta's four turf fields. Holly Park, Winskill Park and North Delta Community Park are next on the list.

"Council put in place on our base tax rate in 2015 a replacement fee, so we have a reserve now that builds up year after year so the next round of fields will be funded when it comes up," said Kuntz.

Delta is also waiting to hear back from the federal government on a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program grant, which if successful, will award Delta $500,000 that would go toward the Mackie Park project.

Mayor Lois Jackson said council is thrilled to get this project started.

"It's a pretty tired field. We've had thousands and thousands of hours on that turf. That was the first one we built in Delta," said Jackson.