(Photo | Courtesy of Ascent Architecture and Interiors)
Bend FC Timbers (BFCT) announced they are breaking ground on two world-class, all-season turf soccer fields at Pine Nursery Park today. The BFCT 28 club teams and over 3200 total competitive and recreational players will have access to two synthetic turf fields with lights in approximately three months from breaking ground. In addition to existing soccer programming the BFCT offers, the club is looking forward to offering new opportunities including advanced technical training, Friday Night futbal, adult 7 x 7 leagues, advanced summer camps and college ID camps, and bringing additional soccer tournaments to Central Oregon as early as 2020.
“Being in a position as Executive Director to help build these fields has been one of the greatest pursuits in my career,” says Tara Balinski, Bend FC Timbers executive director. “Having been around great clubs throughout my career, including both college and professional programs, has allowed me to understand firsthand how facilities and fields can impact athlete development and experiences. I can say with 100 percent certainty that these fields are going to help BFCT players, coaches and teams pursue greatness.”
Through meetings with various other athletic groups in Central Oregon, such as lacrosse, rugby, ultimate frisbee and others the BFCT believes the sports complex will also help fill a need for more turf fields and fields with lights late fall through early spring. BFCT turf fields will also be able to be cleared of snow during winter months. Not only will these new fields support the growth of soccer within Central Oregon but have a strong and positive impact on athletics in Central Oregon.
The Build it Forward Campaign is a ten-year project to transform eight acres of Bend Park & Recreation’s Pine Nursery Community Park through two phases of development. Phase I is the field design and engineering, site work construction, building of two synthetic turf fields, lighting and fencing. Phase II, targeted for 2025, will be final construction on the remaining two synthetic turf fields. Total project construction cost for Bend FC Timbers Phase I is $2.3 million.
To further support the sports complex the BFCT will be unveiling a brick program allowing families and the Bend community to leave a lasting legacy of support. BFCT is also seeking on-gong fundraising and business sponsorship opportunities to support the full scope of Phase 1 and Phase II.
