Grand Opening Ceremony For New Livermore Turf Fields

Robertson Park has long been known as the "go to sports" field in Livermore. The sand-based fields were installed in 1991. Friday marked a new day for sports in Livermore. The new turf fields at Robertson Park are now complete. The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD) held a Grand Opening Ceremony in conjunction with the Livermore Fusion Soccer Club.

A few years ago, Livermore SC made the decision to guarantee the continued growth of the league by investing in new turf fields in Livermore. The plan called for the construction of two synthetic turf fields that would replace existing natural turf sports fields at a cost of 2.7 million dollars. 
In November 2009, LARPD entered into an agreement with the Livermore Fusion SC that involved the league paying forward $600,000 in future field use fees at a fixed hourly rate, to assist the LARPD in funding the sports complex's new fields.Three years, and 15,000 tires later, those fields were completed just in time for the league to put on a Halloween soccer tournament for highly competitive youth in Norther California. The Ghouls and Goals tournament, played over the Halloween weekend, was a resounding success.

Fusion player Karla Ventura, of the U15 Premier Girls team, stood in awe just moments before the ceremony. She hopes to play professionally one day and says the new fields are a "a huge plus" for the league and its players. "With these new fields, I know I will be able to practice and further the skills I have developed from the Fusion coaches. The fields will only help in that development", gushed Ventura.

In addition to Livemore Mayor John Marchand, LARPD GM Tim Barry and President Beth Wilson were both in attendance. They took to the podium to discuss their delight with being involved in the tremendous project. They also introduced Livermore Fusion Soccer Club President, Ed Mylius and Director of Coaching, Ben Graham. Both Ed and Ben went out of their way to thank long time Fusion members Brent Koch and Dave Best for their valiant efforts and time spent on seeing the project through to its completion.
Other league officials, coaches and players were in attendance as well and they took an all club photo during the event.

Event Timeline:  November 2, 2012 4:00-5:00 PM       
   
4:00-Ceremonies began-Tim Barry from the LARPD welcomed attendees, made opening remarks and introduced the others                                      4:10-LARPD President Beth Wilson also thanked the various members of the LARPD Board.
4:15-Ed Mylius, President of Fusion SC spoke and thanked the Board for their involvement and perseverance
4:20-Ben Graham, Director Of Coaching at Fusion SC spoke
4:30-Ribbon Cutting              
4:35-Refreshments for attendees             
4:45-Massive group photo with players, parents, coaches, league officials, and other supporters