2010 - 2011 Ambleside A Turf Sport Field Project
Following the dreams of two dedicated community sport groups, a major project is underway to improve the sport fields and facilities at Ambleside Park, home of community sports and recreation since 1918.
The two major sport clubs in West Vancouver, the WV Soccer and WV Field Hockey Clubs have been working together since the District of West Vancouver decided to focus on Ambleside as the location for a third artificial turf field.
The clubs are combining resources in an effort to improve the facilities at one of the North Shore’s best recreational parks. This includes planning for a much-needed new Fieldhouse, for the benefit of the whole community.
In June of this year, construction crews broke ground on the gravel field beside the tennis courts to construct the first ever artificial turf playing surface on the North Shore for field hockey. It will also be used by soccer and other sports and will allow sport to continue outdoors throughout the rainy winter months. In addition, the project includes a long-needed warm-up pad for soccer beside Field D as well as a warm-up pad for field hockey.
The project is made possible by a $3 million Federal/Provincial infrastructure grant (announced in Sept 2009), as well as contributions from the District of West Vancouver ($760,000) and the two sport groups.
The two clubs have committed to raise $1,500,000 over 2 years of which $470,000, ($370,000 from WVFHC and $100,000 from WVSC) has already been contributed.
| Update | WVFHC | WVSC | Total |
| 30 Sep 2010 | $580,000 | $160,000 | $740,000 |
Final planning is underway for significant improvements to the existing concrete washroom building on the north side of the tracks, nicknamed “the bunker”. Located on one of the North Shore’s best spots, the building is over 50 years old and is long overdue for an overhaul. Plans for the final build-out include a lounge area with views to the fields and the park, meeting rooms and offices, as well as upgraded change rooms and public washrooms.
