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On Monday, August 21, the new synthetic turf field at Queensbury Union Free School District celebrated its official ribbon cutting. The event marked the official opening of the Turf Athletic Complex, which is set to revolutionize sports practices and events in the area. The Turf Athletic Complex boasts a versatile, synthetic turf field that has been marked for various sports, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. Additionally, there are separate turf fields designated for baseball and softball activities.
The decision to create this turf field was approved by Queensbury UFSD residents as part of a larger $19.75-million capital improvement project proposal in December 2021. Construction commenced on March 1st, 2023, and the field was inaugurated with the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Superintendent Kyle Gannon expressed excitement for the future use of the field, emphasizing its potential for hosting various sports competitions and becoming a hub of activity for physical education classes during school hours.
The introduction of the turf field is expected to greatly enhance athletic and physical education programs at Queensbury UFSD. The synthetic surface guarantees a consistent and safe playing field throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Moreover, the extended usability of the facility, made possible by the added lights, will enable physical education classes to utilize the complex during the fall and spring, effectively extending the active seasons.
The new turf field wasted no time in seeing action, as teams began practicing on it immediately following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Turf Athletic Complex will host significant events in the coming year, such as the Section 2 boys soccer championship games, the field hockey championship games, and girls regional lacrosse matches in the spring. Richard Keys, the director of athletics, physical education, and health, expressed hopes that the facility would not only enhance local sports but also bring the community together by attracting visitors to the area's restaurants, hotels, and businesses.