The Salem Soccer Park Association is reporting good progress on the fields south of the Salem Little League Complex on South College Street.
The person heading the group, Matt Stanford, says they will let the grass grow through March before making a decision on when play can begin.
“For a little bit, we were kind of worried about the progress of the fields, but I will say this past fall it really filled in nicely. The fields are starting to come around. They’re dormant right now, but everybody that’s looked at them and knows more about grass than I do is confident that we’ll have some really awesome fields here come springtime.”
Stanford hopes play by some of the smaller players will get underway this spring with play progressing through the summer with a potential move of the high school games to the new facility for the fall season.
“Come this summer, it should be well-established by that point in time. We’ll continue with the weed-and-feed program we have with them. We believe that by this fall, the grass in the field should be well-established and we should also have a building and restrooms, some concessions and a little storage area as well.”
Stanford says they have received quotes to construct the building, which will include three ADA compliant restrooms, a concession stand, and storage area. He anticipates construction in June.
The association will be monitoring costs of fertilizer and maintaining the fields this year to see how much money can begin being set aside for lighting of the complex. Stanford hopes lighting can be completed in the next two years. He says with darkness coming early in the fall the lights would help to assure games can be completed. However, Sanford notes the complex will have two big fields that would allow high school varsity and JV games to be played at the same time.
Stanford says fundraising is going well and is running ahead of schedule due to the generous support of the community. You’ll have a chance to help on Sunday when the association holds an all you can eat chicken dinner at the Salem Elks. Serving will be 11 am to 1 pm. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for those under 12. You can get tickets at Salem City Hall and Bettendorf Stanford. They will also be available at the door.
