School officials look at the new bleachers that are nearly complete at Cundari Field. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
The brand new Cundari Turf Field is expected to be operational on a limited basis in June.
The 1.5 million dollar project got its start in June of 2014. While it was anticipated to open last fall, the official opening date now is expected to be early in the new school year.
The project, partially funded by the Scollard Hall Foundation, includes an artificial turf field, a new surface for the track, upgraded lighting, bleachers, new soccer nets and goal posts.
“The work still needs to be completed to the track and facility so at this time we have designated it for school use only,” stated Joe Bitonti, the Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board Student Success Leader.
“Our intent is to limit the use of the facility in preparation for the grand opening in the fall of 2015. Our kids and staff are excited to get on it right away and even more now for our soccer team because it's soccer season. We will be excited to see when its done and we can get on it and start playing.”
Construction crews continue to work on the bleachers, sod needs to be laid down all around the new rubberized track and the new lights need to be focussed and set.
Bitonti says more rubber turf filler needs to be added to the artificial turf.
He says the elementary schools in the board will have track meets here along with the Catholic Board’s Elementary level track meet at the end of the school year.