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Artificial heaven Soccer field to join ball diamond with turf in Rankin
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Tuesday, August 27, 2013
KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET
Work has begun on a new soccer field featuring artificial turf in Rankin Inlet.
Rec co-ordinator David Clark is looking forward to completing work on a new soccer field featuring artificial turf in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo
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The field is located at the same site as the old pitch in front of Leo Ussak Elementary School and Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik.
Rankin recreation co-ordinator David Clark said the surface has been levelled, two new drains added and six inches of gravel put down around the field to prevent the water problems that plagued the old pitch.
He said the field will measure 55 metres long by 24 metres wide and have the same turf that was installed on the Rankin ball field a little more than a year ago.
"It will have all the soccer lines, including the goal crease areas, when it's done in about a week or two, so we expect it's going to look pretty good," said Clark.
"It's in a great location near the schools, so I'm sure it will see a lot of use.”
Clark said the turf at the ball field is in its second season and has not yet heard any complaints about it, saying residents love to play on it.
"It's the same turf you'd see in a CFL or NFL stadium made by UBU Sports, which is a good company to work with."
Clark said he estimates the field will be used about four months a year, with a large tarp covering it during the winter months.
"We're looking forward to getting it down so everyone can come and try it,” Clark said. "I'm also hoping it will attract people to some other sports like lacrosse or flag football, and it will be great for the day camp to hold activities on."
In addition to holding a number of fundraisers to help finance the new field, Clark received a $70,000 grant from Sport Nunavut, as well as donations of $20,000 from Rankin Inlet Adult Soccer and $10,000 from the Rankin Inlet Soccer Association.
Clark said the final cost of the field will be about $130,000.
"Other than paying my staff and I for our work, the hamlet didn't have to pay anything for the new field,” he said. "It's going to be a welcome addition to our community."
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