Gwinnett converts football field at Mountain Park Park to turf

Gwinnett will convert football fields at Mountain Park Park to synthetic turf. Google Maps

Gwinnett will convert football fields at Mountain Park Park to synthetic turf. Google Maps

The football field at Mountain Park Park will be rebuilt this winter as a 100,000 square-foot synthetic turf field for football, soccer and lacrosse. The old field and press box will be demolished along with a baseball backstop and dugouts. The new field will have a new press box, lighting, fencing and goals. Work will also include drainage improvements, paving and retaining wall construction.

Gwinnett commissioners awarded the nearly $2.3 million contract to the lowest bidder, Precision Turf LLC. The SPLOST-funded upgrade should be completed by July.

Mountain Park Park covers 44 acres at 5050 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn. It features baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, a skate complex and sand volleyball court plus playgrounds, a pavilion, restrooms and trails. The associated Mountain Park Aquatic Center is located nearby on Rockbridge Road.

Commissioner Lynette Howard said the use of SPLOST funds to upgrade existing facilities helps the county keep up with increased use by a growing population.

“Converting existing grass fields to artificial surfaces improves drainage and eliminates the need to take fields out of use to let the grass grow and recover, and ultimately, residents get more play out of the fields,” said Howard.