The public is invited to an open house as construction is set to begin at Masich Place over the long weekend.
"We are under budget and we are moving forward," said Dave Dyer, the city's general manager for engineering and public works.
Facility improvements will include, a new synthetic turf infield and shock pad that meets the FIFA regulation-sized soccer field standards and a Canadian Football League sized football field, permanent throwing and jumping facilities that meet the International Association of Athletics Federation's standards, a dual coloured synthetic running track and throws/jumps surfacing areas, exterior painting of the grandstand structure and new landscaping with fencing, irrigation, pathways and berm area.
Masich Place was developed as the community's premier track and field venue to host the 1990 B.C. Summer Games in Prince George and continues to be the primary venue for multiple sports such as track and field and football.
Stadium amenities include an eight lane 400 synthetic running track, jump pits, throwing launch pads and a lit natural turf infield.
A future phase has also been proposed with upgrades including, grandstand improvements, a sound system, security system, lighting and preparations for the 2022 B.C. Summer Games event in Prince George.
According to Dyer, in preparation for the games, the city will be looking at other improvements including alternative parking options.
"We are also looking at projects for capital in the future," Dyer said.
Masich Place will be closed to the public throughout the 2017 season, starting over the May long weekend.
The track and field user groups will be accommodated at cole Lac des Bois with an improved granular running track and jump pits.
The PGSS fields and south parking lot will remain available for use during the 2017 season.
The Masich Place facility will reopen to the public during the spring of 2018 as one overall complex incorporating both the stadium and PGSS fields.
The PGSS fields will be maintained and operated by the City of Prince George through an agreement with SD57.
The development project is a multi-contractor project with contracts totaling $4,225,000 for the filed, track, throwing and jumping facilities and landscaping.
The city will also be securing contracted services to paint the grandstand exterior at a cost of $150,000.
The project is funded by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Federal Gas Tax Strategic Priorities Fund, ($3,200,000) Northern Development Initiatives Trust (NDIT) Economic Diversification Infrastructure Program ($250,000) and the City of Prince George 2017 Capital Expenditure Program. ($925,000)
The City of Prince George will be hosting an open house at Masich Place on Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All are invited.
