Fundraising is set to begin soon for a new multi-purpose field on Saint John’s east side.
The $4.5-million project at Simonds High School will see the grass field replaced with artificial turf.
Peter Woytiuk is the board chair of Simonds Community Turf Field Ltd., the community group behind the project.
Woytiuk told our newsroom that there are several advantages to having a turf field versus a grass field.
“The field doesn’t have to be closed when it’s raining. That’s a big one,” Woytiuk said in a recent interview.
“The big advantage of the turf is that it can be used for longer from, say, maybe even April 1st till it snows too much to use it.”
The rubber pellets in the turf are also softer than regular ground, he said, meaning players are less prone to concussions when their head hits it.
In addition, the field does not have to be mowed or lined several times each week, saving money and time on maintenance.
Other upgrades as part of the project include a new grass practice field next to the turf field and lighting to extend the usable hours.
Even though the field is located at Simonds High School, Woytiuk said this is really a community-led project.
“There are groups who will be able to use it when their fields aren’t available,” he added.
The committee includes members of the Saint John Trojans Rugby Club, the Saint John Soccer Club and Fundy Minor Football.
Committee members are also looking at the possibility of using the field for other sports, including ultimate frisbee and lacrosse.
Woytiuk said they have already secured a government grant to help with the project, though he is unable to divulge any details just yet.
The committee is currently seeking a number of volunteers, including people to help with grant writing and fundraising, as well as social media.
Woytiuk is hopeful that work on the project could start as early as the spring of 2026, depending on how much money they have raised by then.
“If we can raise two-thirds of the money in a year, or say three-quarters, even if we can raise $3 million and then have a year or two to raise the rest,” he added.
You can find more details on the project, including how to volunteer, on the committee’s website.
