Gordon Field selected for artificial surface

Kitsap County is planning to install artificial turf fields around the county to meet the need for competitive sports facilities.

“We will gain the capacity for games, tournaments and practice,” said Parks and Recreation director Mark Mauren. “It will cost a lot less to maintain and be easier on the environment.”

Three facilities, with three fields each, would be constructed in the north, central and south regions of the county, respectively. The intended surface is FieldTurf, which is used at Qwest Field as well as many professional and amateur sports facilities nationwide.

While the artificial surface is more expensive to construct than a regular field, maintenance costs are considerably lower. There is no mowing or fertilizing, nor is it necessary to rebuild or reseed the field after severe weather damage.

Mauren could not supply a cost estimate for installing nine fields, saying the price will have many variables. He said the department already has earmarked $2.5-$3 million for construction in South Kitsap and $1.2 million for Central Kitsap.

Along with this, he said the county is exploring other funding sources.

The Central Kitsap site is Gordon Field at the Fairgounds, while North Kitsap Heritage Park was selected in the north end.

A South Kitsap site has yet to be determined.

“We have several places in mind,” Mauren said. “But if we can connect with an

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