Charlottetown planning to put artificial turf at Simmons field

The City of Charlottetown has issued a request for proposals for a plan to build an artificial turf field beside the Simmons Arena.

The turf would replace the main soccer field at that location.

For years, the city has been considering artificial turf as a way to extend the playing season for field sports, said Coun. Mitch Tweel, chair of the city's park and recreation committee.

• UPEI's new artificial turf set to be ready for fall season

"Our climate, particularly in the fall of the year and the spring of the year, it's a very short season and it's very challenging for a lot of our user groups, whether it be soccer, whether it be football, and now of course the increased popularity in lacrosse and other sports," he said.

Similar fields have cost up to $1 million in other municipalities, Tweel said.

A proposal should be ready by the end of the year for council to consider. Tweel said he'd like to see construction begin next year.

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