New Bedford officials break ground on new soccer field
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — Construction is officially underway at Dias Field in New Bedford to support the city's growing soccer community, following a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.
While New Bedford already has multiple soccer fields, Mayor Jon Mitchell said they are not the right size for competitions.
Dias Field will be home to the city's first regulation-sized field, as well as the first mini-pitch for young children.
"I think it's going to bring a much-needed sense of togetherness for this area, this community," Ward 3 City Councillor Shawn Oliver said.
The $1.3 million project is being paid for by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with additional grant support from the National Recreation & Park Association and Musco Sports Lighting.
"We wont know exactly what the return on investment is. It's not like you can calculate out a value of a child's experience or memories, but you know that it's valuable," Mitchell said. "In my mind, that is priceless."
The fields are expected to open by next summer.
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