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Turf Fields of Dreams
Henrico County is undergoing the largest project in Recreation and Parks history over the next three years. Not only will this be a benefit to our schools, our employees may also see some benefits from the project. Construction to convert all nine high school football fields in the county from natural grass to tournament quality, synthetic, multi-purpose fields consisting of organic in-fill, started at the end of January. Along with new fields, the project will also consist of new collegiate rubberized track surfacing at all locations.
On the list of high school fields to be completed in the first year are Hermitage, Douglas S. Freeman and Varina. These will be followed by Henrico, J.R. Tucker and Highland Springs; then Mills E. Godwin, Deep Run and Glen Allen in the final year of the project. Each set will start in January and be completed by play time in August. "Schools have had this project in their minds for a couple years," said Steve Hart with Henrico Recreation and Parks, "This has been a dedicated effort by the County Manager." The conversion of these fields will allow students to play on the fields all year round. The fields will truly become multi-use and allow unrestricted access regardless of weather.
Greenwood Park at night
This project follows the completion of Phase 1 of the Greenwood Park project which has seen the construction of a tournament quality sports complex. Some features include paved parking areas, sand volleyball courts and four lighted multi-purpose organic infill synthetic athletic fields just like the ones being put in at the high schools. "The park and new athletic sites will benefit residents and employees through new opportunities for a healthier lifestyle, through tracks and eventually trails at Greenwood Park," said Dawn Miller, Tourism Supervisor for Henrico County. Greenwood Park will have their soft launch to the public starting February 24-25, 2018 followed by five more weekends in a row with soccer tournaments being held on the fields.
Drone view of Greenwood Park
So, whether you are an employee of Henrico looking to use the trails and tracks for exercise, a local resident who's child will be playing soccer near by or the parent of a student athlete at a county high school, all will benefit from these incredible upgrades to our county fields.