Work on YMCA athletic fields progressing

Artificial turf is still being installed on the outdoor athletic fields.
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Construction of the new outdoor athletic fields at the Kosciusko Community YMCA is moving right along.

In fact, construction could be done in about two weeks, according to Seth Krzywicki, project manager for Urban Soccer Parks.

The outdoor lighted facility will include two large fields enclosed with fencing.

Urban Soccer Park designs, manufactures, and installs professional-grade turf fields that can be used for a variety of sports and activities.

Krzywicki has overseen the construction of 30 such fields, which have grown in popularity across the country.

While private soccer clubs have embraced the urban soccer park concept, YMCA’s have also become big customers, according to Krzywicki said.

He said more YMCA’s followed suit after one in Crown Point invested in the concept.

The Kosciusko YMCA plans to use it for soccer, volleyball and other activities.

“For the Y, specifically, the appeal is having an area where you can do multiple different sports in,” Krzywicki said. “I think the versatility draws the Y in.”

Fencing and lighting have already been installed and much of the park’s artificial turf with three-quarters-inch padding, is already in place.

The YMCA is expected to begin using the park soon after completion.

Below are some photos of the worksite taken Thursday.

The new Urban Soccer Park at the Kosciusko Community YMCA has lighting for nighttime play.
The Urban Soccer Park at the Kosciusko Community YMCA will include lighting for nighttime activities.
The park is divided into two athletic fields with a walkway down the middle. Each of the fields is fenced in with a surrounding railing that invites spectators to watch up close.
A view of the railing along the fenced-in athletic field where spectators will be able to get an up-close look at the action. The yellow area is the goalie’s net.
Specialized fencing — at about shoulder height — looks as if it is designed to absorb the impact of soccer balls.
A roll of material waits to spread across one of the fields. The Kosciusko Community YMCA can be seen in the background.