Hub Staff
A popular soccer field in Southampton was given a facelift this summer thanks to a partnership between the Town of Saugeen Shores, Minor Soccer and Trees for Saugeen.
The project at Helliwell Park included tree planting around the field and the development of a new parking lot area. “These are the days where I love my job and this is where you can see so many partnerships,” said Town of Saugeen Shores Parks and Facilities Supervisor, Kristan Shrider. “This project creates a safer, greener space for everyone who uses the field,” said Shrider, adding “We really just want to give a huge thank you to all the partners who made this project possible.”
Funds were donated by Saugeen Shores Minor Soccer for the creation of the new parking area and Trees for Saugeen donated funds and volunteers to purchase and help with the tree planting around the new parking lot area and perimeter of the park. Working with JD Everest at Everest Nurseries, a plan was developed for the tree planting and installation of a gravity-fed dripline irrigation system to all the newly planted trees. Everest Nurseries also donated the equipment for the irrigation system and the mature Linden trees which border the park. Keith Synder’s Construction was contracted to build the parking area, providing safer access to the park for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Tracy Lambert of Trees for Saugeen said that 53 trees had been planted, including Linden, Locust, Maples, Spruce and Larch. “Everything here is native,” she said.
Jeff Virgo of Saugeen Shores United Football Club said the club would be able to better utilize the area now that it was safer. “It allows minor soccer to host more games here now, better utilize the field and hopefully get a few more people from Southampton playing and then eventually down the road see what type of facilities we get in terms of washrooms and storage.”
Kristan Shrider said that it took approximately three weeks for the parking lot construction and the trees were planted in two phases. She added that an irrigation system comes from a pump house and loops around to all of the trees.
