New turf field for P.E.I.

The University of Prince Edward Island will be home to a new $1.3 million artificial turf field by the end of the summer.

Danny Redmond, chair of Charlottetown's parks and recreation committee, said it will be primarily used for soccer, and will give the athletes a competitive edge.

"Athletes will be on this field much earlier than they had [been] before in Charlottetown, the longevity is ten years, it will be lit. It will be a multi-purpose field, it will also be [used for] football and rugby, and Special Olympics. Actually you can hold international soccer games as well."

City council passed a resolution on Monday authorizing the University of Prince Edward Island to begin working on the project.

The city and university will each contribute $325,000 to the project. UPEI take responsibility for paying off the remaining $650,000 debt.

Discussions on the new surface began over a year ago.

• FROM FEB. 3, 2004: Athletics director says don't go natural

The project should be finished in August.