The Chairman of the Salem Soccer Park Association says with the help of the community they are making good progress on getting the park on South College Street open.
Matt Stanford provides an update.
“We got grass that started to grow. Three large fields out there. Parking lots all done. All the shaping and leveling is primarily done. We will come back in and do more of that. Irrigation system is down and water wheel just got delivered we can do more irrigation with.”
Stanford says three large fields have been developed.
“We can split those fields down. One large field can be split into 2 smaller fields, similar to the small fields at the YMCA. You can even split them even further I think the small fields there and get 3 or 4 fields out of it. We will have practice fields, YMCA fields and definitely a couple of large fields.”
And the big question, when will the fields be ready to play.
“For sure we should be ready to play by next spring. Hopefully we will be able to play some games on one field this fall. Maybe the high school potentially but we are not going to guarantee that.”
Stanford says with matching funds, the city will be providing $300,000 towards the project with private fund raising to bring in $200,000 of which more than $100,000 has now been contributed.
The major fund raising project now is for construction of a storage building that can later have a concession stand and bathroom added on. Fund Raising Chair Mike Anderson says a raffle is now underway.
“There are 300 tickets being sold. They are $50 a ticket. First place winnings is $2000, second is $1000, 3rd place is $500, 4-6 place is $100, so double your money back and 7-10 place is $50 or get your money back. That drawing will be held May 23, in line with our Dine to Donate, which is at El Rancherito in Salem.”
El Rancherito will donate 15% of all sales from those identifying with the soccer fund raiser on May 23rd. Raffle tickets are available at El Rancherito, Salem City Hall, the Hole Dozen, Douglas Vet, Green Beauty Supply or by messaging on the Salem Soccer Association Facebook page.
The association is also seeking field sponsors. For the large fields, they would be $10,000 for ten years and includes signage. On the small fields, the naming rights would cost $5,000 for five years including signage.
Stanford says a future goal is to raise money to light the fields for night play.
