Some new carpet is going down in an area of a well-used City of Red Deer building.

“We’ve applied for some granting to replace the turf on the east and west pitches at the Collicutt Centre,” explained Denis Delemont, Collicutt supervisor.

It’s the first time since the centre opened in June of 2001 the surface in the soccer pavilion has needed to be replaced.

“The wear and tear on the space had made it a bit thin so we want to make sure it’s a safe product for people to play on when they come and visit us,” he said.

City officials have been hard at work studying different types of artificial grass products in order to come up with the perfect fit to lay down on the two pitches at Collicutt.


“Some really cool technology that we’re researching with facilities in North Battleford, St. Louis, different places that have different types of turf,” he said. “We want to make sure we grab the right product to best serve the community.”

Delemont says there are some very good products on the market right now which can be used indoors and outdoors but couldn’t confirm the grass chosen for this project could be used potentially to resurface the field at Great Chief Park.

The total project is expected to come in at $211,000 dollars but grant money will take care of half the bill and the City will be on the hook for the remainder.

Another aspect of the project is the eco-friendly nature of what the plan is to dispose of the old carpet which can be rolled up and removed.

“We’re looking for ideas and proposals for repurposing for both pitches. So there’s two opportunities either for the facilities that we own currently or someone in the community that’s looking for a repurpose and we’ll take those proposals in and do our best to make good use of those spaces.”

The makeover will take place later this year and the City will send out information on the project in late summer with a final choice to be made in the fall.

“It’s going to be great news for all the lacrosse players and soccer players and we have programs that run in there now with moms and their strollers, kids’ programs and things like that so it’s great news for the community.”

sports@reddeerexpress.com