A new FIFA-quality artificial turf soccer field will be installed this summer at McHugh Park in Windsor, thanks to a provincial grant.
The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund provided the city with a $1 million grant.
"This project was a natural given all the broader goals of government. Public health, teamwork, youth well-being, really they all came together with this project," said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.
The project is also being supported by the Essex County Soccer Association with $400,000. The remaining funds of the $3.1 million project were included in the 2025 City of Windsor capital budget.
The artificial turf will extend the playing season and provide a better venue for the 10,000 registered soccer players in Windsor and Essex County.
"The consistency of the playing surface is well received from anybody playing on it. You have consistency of playing surface in whatever conditions whether it's raining, snowing, it is always the same, so that's the benefit that we see," said Joe Barile, president of the Essex County Soccer Association.
The project will also include a new scoreboard, enhanced lighting, and player shelters. Construction is expected to start this summer and is scheduled to be completed in the fall.