A Windsor park is now home to a FIFA-quality artificial turf soccer pitch, thanks in part to a grant from Queens Park.
With the FIFA World Cup opening in a few days, soccer fans and players gathered at McHugh Park on Monday evening to dedicate the park's new soccer complex, complete with a new turf field.
Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden was in Windsor for the event, along with Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie and Mayor Drew Dilkens. Scores of players and coaches from the Essex County Soccer Association were also on hand.
"Every athlete begins their journey somewhere, and for many of them, it starts on a community field just like this one," said Lumsden. "With historic investments in local sport and recreation infrastructure, our government is strengthening Ontario’s communities today and for the future, while ensuring people can stay active, supporting athlete development, and helping cities like Windsor build the facilities they need to attract major events, welcome visitors, and grow their economy."
The project cost about $4.4-million and was completed on time and within budget, with about $1-million from the provincial government, $400,000 from the soccer association, and the rest from the City.
"The incredible new FIFA-quality artificial turf field at McHugh Park Soccer Complex elevates the standard of play for our athletes, extends the playing season, and positions Windsor to host higher-level tournaments that bring visitors and tourism and economic activity to our entire region," said Dilkens. "This project was delivered on time and on budget while representing Council’s commitment to investing responsibly in the infrastructure that matters to our residents."
In addition to the FIFA-certified pitch, the field also includes enhanced lighting, new coach and player shelters, a new electronic scoreboard, new asphalt pathways, and concrete pads for spectator seating.
Work began on the pitch in August 2025 and was completed last month.
