Masich Place stadium needs some work, city council acknowledged Monday night, but now is not the time.
A request by the Prince George Track and Field Club and other user groups to include funding for resurfacing the track this year was both "ill-timed and well-timed," said Coun. Cameron Stolz.
"You're ill-timed for the 2014 budget," said Stolz, about the budget which has already been approved. "I do think there is an opportunity to have this in the funded category for 2015, which is the good news. You're well in advance of the 2015 capital plan and discussions and what would be funded and unfunded there. So I think you're laying the good ground work for that."
First built in 1990, the Masich Place track was resurfaced in 2000. It's now going on 14 years since it was last rejuvenated and the wear is starting to show.
"We're now getting into a stage where the pebble from the surfacing has worn off and the lanes are becoming sheen-like, there's a sheen-y surface to them indicating that the safety of the surface is now becoming an important issue in that it causes vegetation build up and in wetness you're inclined to skid and slide in running," said club founder Tom Masich. A recent quote to resurface the track came in at $360,000, he added.
"And I think it would be very prudent to start considering that a half a million dollars or less is not much to spend in light of the fact that we have a 14-year history of the current surface and we've only got a about a one- to two-year lifetime on what's left there."
The state of Masich Place stadium reflects on the city, said Coun. Albert Koehler, who said he would prefer to see some kind of improvement made sooner rather than later. "We have to be a little bit creative sometimes I think. Where there's a will, there's a way."
But that way may come through the city's upcoming community services master plan, which was approved as a council priority at the last meeting.
"Over the next several months, we'll be taking inventory and engaging our user groups and the citizens through meetings, events and surveys," community services director Colleen Van Mook said. "The work will also include identifying existing services, trends and community needs in Prince George."
Though they weren't keen on freeing up any funds this year, council did pass a resolution stemming from the club's presentation to direct staff to facilitate discussion among field user groups to gauge their interest in looking at an improved infield at Masich Place for 2015.
Weed infestations and damage to the irrigation system have resulted in significant deterioration of the natural grass infield, user groups said.
"An artificial turf would stand up better to the wear and tear and also allow for greater use so we are glad council has directed staff to talk with user groups about that option," said P.G. Minor Football president Don Williams. "We are all eager to have that conversation soon."
An all-weather field would be a better fit at Masich Place than at Duchess Park, where previous conversations had focused, said Coun. Lyn Hall.
"That boat has sailed," he said. With Prince George attracting national sporting events, Masich is the spot with the necessary amenities, Hall added.
