The 1.5 million expected tourists will come, but for now Grand Park is just for Westfield residents. Competition at the massive sports complex started last week as recreation teams began practicing on the artificial fields on March 10.
Over the weekend, Westfield Youth Soccer Association hosted a pair of college showcases featuring the top boys travel teams from Westfield Select Soccer Club. The first visitors? The U18 premier teams from Carmel United and Westside United and college coaches from across the country. Girls’ teams will be showcased on March 21 through 23.
The official opening is set for June 20 through 22, but on March 14 Mayor Andy Cook was busy kicking and throwing the ceremonial first balls at soccer and baseball games. Can you believe the day has come where play is underway daily on the fields?
The 400-acre park began in 2010 and will serve as an economic development catalyst for the city. Grand Park has been a dream of Cook’s for years on at the Westfield City Council meeting he displayed a big smile while giving an update on the sports campus. “It’s happening,” he said, knowing that while he sat through government actions his residents were enjoying their time on the fields.
The massive tournaments, college, semipro and professional teams will come. But for now children who still need assistance strapping on the shin guards or learning the rules of the games get to enjoy their own fields of dreams and I can only imagine how unique that experience is. It makes me want to throw on my cleats.
