Raymond’s sports complex nears completion

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Westwind Weekly

By Stephanie Labbe

Work has been ongoing for construction of a multi-purpose sports field complex in Raymond since May of last year.

Victoria Park will be the new home of three full-sized grass football/rugby/soccer fields, an artificial grass field, stadium seating, lights and scoreboard, track and field facilities, change rooms, washrooms, a multi-purpose room and concession.

This new complex also will be home to a community fitness centre and be able to host special events and concerts.

The stadium will seat 1,000 people.

Work officially began in the fall of 2013, but the actual construction of the fields, not including the land balance, began last year.

“Construction continues to roll along nicely. Buildings exteriors will be complete by Aug. 1 and interior should by complete by Sept. 1,” says Rich Bohne, director of community services for the Town of Raymond.

The complex is located north of the stampede grounds and racetrack, in what was empty land.

When completed it is estimated this will be a $3.2-million facility.

The grand opening for the facility is set to take place Aug. 26. Events that day will include a double header football game with LCI/Harry Ainley and Raymond and Bev Facey playing.

At the grand opening there will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony with the mayor and council.

Bohne says they’re looking forward to the completion of the facility so they can start worrying about using it rather than building it.

“We are already using Comet Stadium and hosted an Adult Flag Football and Adult Coed soccer program. We had six teams in football and eight teams in soccer. It was great. We have also hosted numerous youth soccer games already along with the football camp.”

Bohne says they will also be running the youth flag football program this fall and the facility will host part of the Chautauqua in August as well.

This new multi-purpose sports complex will benefit both those able to use it and the town. It will help bring sports into the community and attract people into Raymond.

“There is limitless opportunities that the fields bring and it will continue to grow each year. We look forward to opening it up and bring in some great events,” adds Bohne.