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Soccor Ball on artificial turf - In Play! magazine
The City of Windsor’s investment in the project totals $2.6 million. The project was further supported by the Essex County Soccer Association through a donation of $400,000.
08
Jun

McHugh Park Soccer Complex Has New Artificial Turf Field in Windsor

The Honourable Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Sport, was joined by Windsor-Tecumseh Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Andrew Dowie, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, members of City Council and City administration, representatives of the Essex County Soccer Association, and hundreds of soccer families and fans to officially open the McHugh Park Soccer Complex new artificial turf field in Windsor.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the new FIFA-quality artificial turf soccer field that has been constructed at McHugh Park. This is Windsor’s first municipally owned turf soccer field, which increases the City’s ability to potentially host high-level soccer tournaments and extend the playing season for athletes to train. Construction began on August 27, 2025, and was completed at the end of May 2026. Sterling Ridge Infrastructure Inc., Musco Sports Lighting, and Glos Associates Inc. were the project contractors. The new field was tested by a FIFA-accredited testing agency and achieved a “FIFA Quality Pro” designation. The project scope included:

  • Construction of a new artificial turf soccer field built to International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regulations;
  • Enhanced stadium lighting;
  • New covered player and officials’ shelters;
  • New electronic scoreboard;
  • New asphalt pathways; and
  • New concrete pads for spectator seating.

The $4.4 million project was completed on time and on budget. The Ontario Government invested $1 million to help provide the lower maintenance field as part of the province’s $500 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities; grow the economy; and promote active, healthy living across Ontario. The City of Windsor’s investment in the project totals $2.6 million. The project was further supported by the Essex County Soccer Association (ECSA) through a donation of $400,000.

The Ontario government’s CSRIF is an application-based program that was initially launched with a $200 million investment and has since been expanded with an additional $300 million, bringing the total program to $500 million.

Ontario’s investments in new and upgraded sport and recreation infrastructure makes it easier for people to create healthier, more active lifestyles; makes sports more accessible; and helps more communities across the province host local, national, and international events and competitions.

“This FIFA Quality Pro field at McHugh Park is a major win for Windsor’s athletes and our growing sports community. With support from the Ontario Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, our government is delivering new opportunities to compete, stay active, and grow our local economy.” – Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh, Government of Ontario

Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community sport and recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund. Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.

The McHugh Park Soccer Field project came about as part of works covered in the City’s 2024 budget. The City of Windsor’s increase in total annual capital investment is 162% since 2016. With a focus on responsible investments and city-building, City Council approved a fiscally responsible and ambitious 2026 City of Windsor Budget that also includes the following:

  • 0% municipal tax levy increase
  • $2.26 billion 10-year capital budget, the largest in the City’s history
  • Largest road rehabilitation and repair program in the City’s history
  • $317 million for capital investments in 2026 alone
  • $163.8 million for roads
  • $60.0 million for sewers
  • $29.9 million for community services (parks, recreation, facilities, and culture)
  • $5.5 million capital investment in public transit
  • Anticipated added tax revenue of $5 million from new development and growth
  • Significant projects that support development around the NextStar Energy battery manufacturing facility; the site of the future regional Fancsy Family Hospital; and further development of the Sandwich South lands, including the servicing of airport lands
  • Continued focus on investment, growth, and sustainability
  • Continued strategic management of reserves, debt levels, and debt servicing from non-tax revenue sources

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Guest Writer