Local leaders recently helped break ground on the long-planned Belmont Sports Complex North Field Synthetic Turf Installation Project.
The project will install synthetic turf with cork infill on 179,240 square feet of playing area at the popular complex at 550 Island Park Way. Improvements include striping for three U12 soccer fields, one U19 soccer field, and for baseball and lacrosse. Also, ADA, drainage and bike path improvements will be made. Construction is estimated to require 140 working days to complete, city officials said.
The project will increase playable hours and decrease both water and maintenance costs, city officials said.
“This facility has been a terrific asset for the city, but it has needed work for a long time,” Belmont City Councilmember Tom McCune posted on social media. “Among other things, it is built on an old salt marsh which means that lots of irrigation is required and the grass still doesn’t grow very well. The new turf playing fields and other upgrades will make it a much better experience for everyone.”
In planning for over a decade, the project was made possible by a $6 million loan from the County that will be paid back by the city over 10 years at 2 percent interest, or $668,000 per year.
“We’re very excited to begin this project,” Belmont Mayor Warren Lieberman said in a statement, adding, “The support of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, County Manager and staff has made it possible for us to begin today, and we are grateful.”
Photo credit: Belmont City Manager’s Weekly Newsletter/Belmont City Councilmember Tom McCune
.
