Almost 11 kilometres of sod was used to complete both full size soccer pitches in the Lucas Heights area last week.
The pitches are located near the Lucas Heights playground north of the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre and represent years of dedication from the association, explained Rob MacArthur, president of the Ponoka Minor Soccer Association.
Three hundred and fifty rolls of sod at about 103 feet in length each were purchased from Blue Grass Nursery and placed Sept. 2 and 3rd. The company moved the sod while volunteers gave a helping hand to straighten out the lines.
MacArthur said help from Ponoka County and the Town of Ponoka ensured the project was completed. Another big supporter of the event was ATB Financial’s Outlaw Roundup during the Ponoka Stampede week.
“It’s kind of like a dream come true,” said MacArthur.
The fundraiser brought approximately $24,000 to the association. That, and $15,000 from the Town of Ponoka paid for a large amount of the sod, which cost approximately $47,000.
A fundraising raffle from the association and money saved paid for the remainder. MacArthur said Ponoka Minor Soccer saved money to ensure the work could be done.
He said members of the association have been involved with the group for many years and some of their kids were there to help lay the sod.
“This will be a beautiful pitch,” he stated.
MacArthur feels the two soccer pitches will be among the better fields in central Alberta. New grass and leveled fields will be a source of pride for Ponoka Minor Soccer and for the players, he added.
Wes Amendt, director of community services for the Town of Ponoka, was pleased to help lay the sod and help the group.
“It’s exciting to see it come in,” stated Amendt.
He said the town is helping out with watering the grass to ensure the sod is not wasted.
“In the grand scheme of things, the soccer club is going to have two beautiful pitches here next year,” said Amendt.
Corporations or individuals wanting naming rights to the field should contact Amendt at the Town of Ponoka offices.
MacArthur says the pitches will be ready in the spring.