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Kent State Fields
Work on the initial phase of the SYSL Fields at Kent State Salem Campus is complete.
The playing fields are in; grass planted and mowing has begun. SYSL expects the
fields to be playable early next year and there is talk of starting a spring league
and hosting tournaments.
SYSL wants to again thank those who made this possible, namely the forward thinking
leaders of Kent State University’s Salem Campus, The Salem Community Foundation
and the generous individual donors. These people and organizations gave so graciously
to our community, our kids and the sport of soccer in Salem. Thank you very much.
More work is ahead and money needs raised to further develop and maintain the fields.
To give an idea of the added expense now confronting the league it takes nearly
six hours just to mow the grass. The cost to outsource this is a new and big expense.
Salem City Schools and the Salem Parks Department maintain the fields currently
used. Factor in the need for fertilizing, reseeding and maintenance on the new fields
and the costs keep rising. Your donations are tax deductible and needed.
Future plans include paving the gravel lane that runs the length of the site, landscaping,
installing signs, bleachers and a small storage shed. In addition, a permanent all-purpose
building has been proposed and if approved and funded could fill the need for a
meeting room, concessions, and restrooms.
Soccer is alive and well in Salem. Having a soccer only complex is an accomplishment
and something to be proud of. These fields will enable this wonderful sport to grow
and improve. If a spring soccer league is started, it will bring residents of surrounding
communities together. If tournaments are held Salem and it’s many businesses would
welcome visitors that might have never come here.
We are thankful for those who’ve helped make this possible and we ask for your involvement
to continue its development. Right now, only the neighborhood deer are enjoying
the play of the new fields. Soon though there will be young athletes running and
families and friends gathered in support. A soccer only site has long been a dream
of SYSL and now the dream is real.
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