It's official! Four artificial turf soccer fields are ready for action at Indian Springs Sports Complex, 13600 S. 145th E. Ave., following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 15, marking their completion.
"Broken Arrow Soccer Club has called Indian Springs home for almost 50 years, and this year we have more players registered than ever with almost 2,100 players," said Jason Dobbins, Broken Arrow Soccer Club Express Competitive Director.
Dobbins says the soccer field improvements will have a long-lasting impact on the players and their families and paves the way for more expansive opportunities. "This really matters. We can draw bigger tournaments and have more programs to enhance the economic impact we can have for the city," Dobbins said.
The project converted four full-sized soccer fields on the southwest portion of the complex from natural grass to artificial turf. It included earthwork, drainage, storm sewer installation, concrete work, and sod.
Mayor Debra Wimpee thanked the voters for approving the 2018 General Obligation Bond package.
"Our voters understood the importance of having the quality-of-life items like this when they approved the 2018 General Obligation Bond package," Wimpee said. "It's amazing, thank you!"
Adam Jones presented a congressional proclamation on behalf of Rep. Kevin Hern, recognizing the Indian Springs Sports Complex.
"We must understand that although this field is for soccer, this is a place where our young people learn so many important lessons— leadership, accountability, good citizenship, how to be good job creators, good employees, and good citizens," Jones said. "Congratulations on this tremendous success."
City Manager Michael Spurgeon thanked the Broken Arrow Soccer Club, the voters, the City Council, and city employees, who all had a part in completing this project.
"The support that we got from the soccer club not only helped in the proposition for the quality of life, which includes not only the turf we have here, but the entire bond package," Spurgeon said. "So, on behalf of the City Council, thank you very much."
Indian Springs Sports Complex is one of the most popular sporting destinations in the area for local teams and tournament play, with more than 60,000 people visiting the park for soccer games last year.
It is a 234-acre park in southern Broken Arrow adjacent to the Arkansas River. Indian Springs Sports Complex has 24 soccer fields, two adult softball fields, 16 lighted baseball fields, concessions, picnic shelters, and parking.
"I'm excited about these fields and how these tools will serve the citizens of Broken Arrow and the Broken Arrow Soccer Club for many years to come," Parks and Recreation Director Matt Hendren said.
The benefits of turf fields include increased playing time, reduced water consumption, and lower maintenance costs. The contract was awarded to RGroup, Inc., dba United Turf and Track, at the cost of $2,533,685.
