Two N. Fulton parks to get synthetic turf fields

Johns Creek’s city council approved a contract earlier this week to proceed with the installation of two synthetic turf fields at Newtown and Shakerag Park.

Credit: Johnny Crawford

Credit: Johnny Crawford

Johns Creek’s city council approved a contract earlier this week to proceed with the installation of two synthetic turf fields at Newtown and Shakerag Park.

The next time folks in Johns Creek go to kick around a soccer ball at Newtown or Shakerag Park, they might notice a difference in the playing surface.

That’s because those parks are getting new synthetic turf fields.

The city council approved a contract earlier this week to proceed with the installation of these fields at the two parks. The project will be funded by the Johns Creek Parks Bond – which was approved by voters in 2016 – and the cost of the project will not exceed $2,004,606, the city said.

“I am thrilled with the decision of the city council to move forward with this significant improvement to our parks,” Mayor Mike Bodker said in a statement. “Our residents will be able to greatly benefit with more field utilization for the upcoming sports seasons and year-round.”

At Newtown Park, the project will flip two fields – one for soccer and one for lacrosse – into synthetic turf ones. At Shakerag Park, the track field will be converted to synthetic turf.

A date hasn’t been set for the installation, but once construction begins the project is anticipated to take up to 30 days. All three fields will be done simultaneously.

The recreation and parks strategic plan for the city recommends synthetic turf fields. Johns Creek officials say, because turf fields drain better, these new fields will allow games to occur with minimal disruption and will enable leagues to increase play time in conditions that would have otherwise been lost to rain.

Field Turf USA, Inc. will install the fields. It’s the same company contracted by Fulton County Schools for the design and installation of synthetic turf fields.

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