The City of Delta has issued a request for proposals for a firm to construct the civil works for a second synthetic turf playing field at Mackie Park.
Through the request for bids, the city plans to identify a shortlist of general contractors but may choose to use that list for other projects as well.
For the infilled turf and shock pad, it is the city’s intention to issue a separate contract.
The new field will be large enough to accommodate a full-size soccer pitch and high school-rules football field. The project scope will also include, LED field lighting, perimeter fencing and a walkway, a below-grade drainage system as well as a new goal storage area and bleachers.
The synthetic turf field is scheduled to be ready for play by March 2025.
Delta council recently approved a proposed land swap with the Delta School District that will allow for the addition of the second playing field at the park.
However, before the city can proceed with the land transfer, it must seek the approval of electors through a referendum or by alternative approval process.
The city is proceeding with an alternative approval process, which allows council to proceed unless at least 10 per cent of the electors state their opposition within a prescribed period.
If more than 10 per cent state their opposition, council may not proceed unless the proposal successfully passes a full referendum.
Meantime, the city recently issued a request for proposals for the civil works associated with the redevelopment of the running track and natural turf soccer pitch at Delta Secondary.
That work will consist of, among things, removal and disposal of the existing gravel-based running track, sports infield and associated underground drainage systems, as well as construction of the infrastructure to support the development of a new synthetic surfaced running track facility, natural turf soccer field, paved walkway, pedestrian lighting systems, site services and hard and soft landscaping.
A separate request for proposals is being issued to identify and secure a qualified contractor for the supply and installation of the synthetic track running surfacing.
The track asphalt base is to be installed and ready for the synthetic surface installation by late June, while the synthetic running surface is to be installed by the other contractor by mid-August 2024.
The city is using $16 million from one-time grant money from the province and feds for both projects.
As far as future projects, the city has already identified a new playing surface for the playing field at Seaquam Secondary as one of the next projects on the list.
