As many of your readers know, the Albert Lea Youth Soccer Association has been working to develop a complex of soccer fields at the north end of Edgewater Park. The city of Albert Lea has supported this idea, and generously signed a licensing agreement in January 2013 to allow us to develop and manage these fields for the community.  Soil borings were done and Jones, Haugh & Smith Inc. surveyed and drew a plan for the fields.

The Edgewater Soccer Complex Committee has also been successful in raising money and pledges totaling about $85,000 so far. Unfortunately, the late and wet springs we encountered in both 2013 and 2014 made it impossible for pro bono excavation and levelling to proceed.

At the present time the committee is evaluating its options and is consulting with contractors who may partner with us to move forward on this project (perhaps in combination with the development of the new St. John’s facility). Based on the success of our fundraising in 2013 and 2014, we hope to begin field construction this year.

Mac Ehrhardt, outgoing president of the Albert Lea Youth Soccer Association, and I would like to thank the city of Albert Lea and all of the people who have made donations and supported the soccer association in the development of these fields. We appreciate everyone’s help in developing the Edgewater Soccer Complex for the benefit of not only our young soccer players but for the health and vitality of our entire community.

Anyone who has questions or wishes to support the Edgewater Soccer Complex can contact Mac Ehrhardt or me.

 

Greg Wilson

chairman

Edgewater Soccer Complex Committee

Albert Lea