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

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 22, 2024 10:00 AM

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."

Leonard Krog

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."

Honourable Sean Fraser

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

Aerial image of Harewood Centennial Park and the new artificial turf fields - April 2024

Mayor Leonard Krog addressing the attendees at the opening ceremony

Aerial view of the Harewood Centennial Park artificial turf fields opening ceremony

Contact:

For media inquiries, please contact

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

Print News Release

Is there anything wrong with this page?

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

Email Address

What you were doing

What went wrong

Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.