Media Release - West Vancouver Celebrates Completion of Rutledge Artificial Turf Field
Friday, September 09, 2011
West Vancouver, BC: The Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia and District of West Vancouver, in partnership with two local sports teams clubs – West Vancouver Field Hockey Club and West Vancouver Soccer Club – have successfully completed the construction on the North Shore’s first-ever artificial turf field for field hockey.
Construction of the Rutledge Artificial Turf Field was made possible by a $3 million contribution by the Government of Canada and the Province of BC through the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component. The District of West Vancouver contributed $760,000, and the West Vancouver Field Hockey Club and West Vancouver Soccer Club raised close to $1 million for this $4.5 million project and future amenity improvements.
"The North Shore soccer and field hockey programs are exemplary in the way they promote health, fitness, and team play, on the strength of a renowned volunteer force," said John Weston, MP for West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "I am delighted that our Government acknowledged these strengths in investing in Rutledge Field, while creating jobs and economic opportunities in our community."
“This community investment in fitness is every bit as valuable as a direct investment in health care, and with close to 30 jobs created, this project is also a good investment in our local economy,” said Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano.
In 2009, the gravel field near the corner of 13th Street and Marine Drive was selected as the location to build an artificial turf playing surface designed for field hockey and useable by soccer and other field sports. Construction on the field – formerly known as Ambleside “A” and now known as Rutledge Field in honour the late Ross Rutledge’s contribution to field hockey on the North Shore – began in June 2010 and will be completed in September 2011. More than just a playing field however, Rutledge Field is also an incredible example of the power of community partnerships.
Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones says: "Rutledge Field is an outstanding achievement, led by West Van Field Hockey and West Van Soccer. All ages are either playing on these fields, or passing by daily. Congratulations on the vision of all of those who have contributed so much, for so long, to make this happen."
In addition to a new artificial turf field, this project included a complete renovation to the fieldhouse, including a new roof, improved public washrooms and change rooms, as well as upgraded ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems, two new warm-up areas for field hockey and soccer, and increased parking. These improvements play an important role in supporting a healthy lifestyle and making sport accessible to athletes of all ages.
President of the West Vancouver Field Hockey Facilities Society, Patricia Macleod says, "This is the realization of a 20-year dream for the club. It's the first field hockey pitch on the North Shore, home to North America's largest field hockey community. Thanks to all of our donors and volunteers, players of all ages and abilities will be playing on Rutledge Field for many years to come.”
"West Vancouver Soccer Club is proud of the role it played in the development of Rutledge Field. Our clubs have worked in close harmony with District Council to fund and build a project that is not only well deserved by field hockey, but is a great asset for our community and our youth. We hope the success of this collaborative effort will provide a template for the development of future community projects in West Vancouver," says Bill Sparling, President of the West Vancouver Soccer Club.
The Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund – Communities Component is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities with populations of less than 100,000.
Through the unprecedented Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.
Since October 2008, over $5.6 billion has been committed by the province to over 900 infrastructure projects in British Columbia, which are estimated to create more than 36,000 jobs over the life of the projects.
Special Event Note:
An Opening Celebration for Rutledge Field will take place September 10, at 11 a.m. at Rutledge Field in West Vancouver, with welcoming remarks and on-field activities. Everyone is welcome. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., an exhibition game between the Canadian National Field Hockey team and the Australian National Team will take place as part of a five-game series of exhibition games between the two teams. For more information please visit cangarooclash.com
About West Vancouver Field Hockey Club
Since the early 1970s, WVFHC has been the home club for field hockey players across the North Shore. The WVFHC consists of four independent but related divisions: Junior, Womens, Mens and Adanacs player development, with an overall membership of approximately 2,500 from West Vancouver and North Vancouver. For more information on the West Vancouver Field Hockey Club, please visit wvfhc.com
About the West Vancouver Soccer Club
Since WVSC’s beginnings in the 1920s, the club has been involved in the promotion, organization, and development of soccer at the youth level in West Vancouver. Approximately 1,900 youth from West Vancouver participate in the club’s community and advanced level soccer programs. The club also runs several popular, community level soccer training programs that run year round. For more information on the West Vancouver Soccer Club, please visit westvansoccer.com
About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.
Media Contacts:
Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (604) 666-1318
Craig Heinz
B.C. Liberal Government Caucus Communications
Telephone: (250) 356-5352
Jessica Delaney
Director of Communications
District of West Vancouver
Telephone: (604) 925-4736
Cell: (604) 360-8131