Construction has officially begun on the new Greater Saint John Field House in Exhibition Park.
Dozens were on hand for today’s sod-turning, including representatives from all three levels of government, which are supporting the $26.5-million project.
Officials holding a sod-turning event this afternoon for the new Greater Saint John field house. pic.twitter.com/lHfZG0X3tp
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) February 21, 2018
Field house president Bill MacMackin says he’s both excited and a bit scared to see this dream come alive.
“You know, we have to make sure this comes together on time, on budget, so it’s very fulfilling to be here and see this and really to know how many people have contributed to making this thing happen … but it’ll be even more exciting now to push towards getting it open,” says MacMackin.
MacMackin says the new field house has the potential to bring athletes from across the province and attract tournaments and events that historically could never come to New Brunswick.
Here’s a look at what the new field house in east Saint John is going to look like once it’s built. pic.twitter.com/R4uNJLhofM
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) February 21, 2018
The provincial and federal governments are each contributing $6 million, the city of Saint John is investing $4.2 million, and $1.6 million is coming from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
The exhibition association, which donated the land, is also contributing $5 million, and the rest is coming from donors and a “little bit of debt,” says MacMackin.
He says the fact the field house is supported by all regional communities shows cooperation is possible.
Bill MacMackin talks a bit about why this field house is so important to the region. pic.twitter.com/lzvHKPFInz
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) February 21, 2018
Many groups are expected to benefit from the new field house, including the Fundy Extreme Triathlon Club.
The club’s Stephanie Tomilson tells us it will be another fantastic place for club members to meet at.
“In Rothesay, you have the local gyms, and as well you have the YMCA in town, which are all great, but this is a new facility, this is kind of a middle ground for lots of people and we’re really excited,” says Tomilson. “We think that, even as a group of 250 members in our club, we can meet others.”
The field house is expected to open its doors in the fall of 2019.
Mayor Don Darling says the $4.2 million contributed by the city for this project is an important investment for recreation. pic.twitter.com/g9zGzx4Ui1
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) February 21, 2018
