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SD43 seeks partner to build Coquitlam soccer field

Call for expressions of interest to finance, build, operate recreational facility at Centennial in Coquitlam
Soccer fields
Sports fields are well used in the Tri-Cities and a new one proposed for the current site of Centennial secondary when it's torn down could be developed through a public-private partnership, according to School District 43.

With sports fields at a premium in Coquitlam, School District 43's plans for a private partner to develop land at Centennial secondary couldn't come at a better time, says the chair of the Coquitlam Field Sports Association.

Dave Jones, whose association represents all field sports groups in the Tri-Cities, says demand for field time is increasing, with more children and adults seeking recreational opportunities.

A covered turf field with a running track would be especially welcomed, he said.

"We're probably going to see more demand for actual covered fields — look outside," he said, referring to snow-covered fields that have caused dozens of soccer games to be cancelled in recent weeks. "It's the weather and the greatest benefactor of that [covered fields] is the kids."

SD43 put out a request for expressions of interest last week to seek a private partner to design, finance, build and operate a field or rec facility.

It's a new idea for the district, said Ivano Cecchini, assistant secretary treasurer of facilities and planning services, but he said the new approach is being tried because the seismic rebuild of Centennial secondary didn't allow for money for a new sports field. (There is already a sports field across the street with a running track.)

A private partner would ensure a field gets built once the older Centennial is knocked down, Cecchini said.

"It's a new process to try and bring in partners," he said, noting that the space available is equivalent to a full-sized soccer field.

Indeed, there are numerous groups that might be interested, said Jones, who noted similar  public-private partnerships are in place in the Lower Mainland where cities provide land, including Coquitlam, which has a partnership with Planet Ice for ice rinks and in Burnaby, where  Fortius Sport and Health, has soccer and training facilities at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex.

A local sports organization might step up to build a covered field, Jones suggested, pointing to Pinnacles FC, which owns and operates the Adidas Sportsplex in Penticton, a covered soccer pitch with a 200 m track around the perimeter.

"Knowing the cities have limited funds, as well as they try and spend it judiciously, it's an interesting approach by the school district to do a field," he said.

Jones also said sports fields users are interested in what the plans are for recreational fields in the Burke Mountain neighbourhood with the development of schools there.