Trent Summer Sports Camp participants try out new field

It was one big first step.

Trent Summer Sports Camp participants took to the new athletic field for the first time today, giving the facility a good work out. Soccer, baseball and field sports classes tested the artificial turf, while mountain bikers circled on the recreational track. "We also had five- and six-year-olds running the track," said Bruce Emmerton, Trent Summer Sports Camp Director.

The field will officially be open for full-time use in September, he said. Workers will lay sod early next week to finish the project, which is Phase 1 of an athletic facilities upgrade. The project's first phase is the result of a partnership between students and administration. In 2004 the student body voted to provide financial support for a master plan to improve Trent's athletic facilities. This phase includes construction of a stadium with artificial turf, and lighting. This first section of turf, a rubber infill artificial grass surface, was laid on Wednesday, July 6, 2005. The work will finish on schedule in advance of the academic year.

This summer, Trent Summer Sports Camp is hosting about 800 participants between the ages of 5 and 15. Children take part in a range of activities such as hiking, lacrosse, swimming and camp outs. Programs run in two-week session throughout July and August. The programs are safe and fun, encourage fair play, aim to increase self-confidence and develop teamwork and physical and social skills, said Mr. Emmerton. While the project was being completed, camp participants used the Lady Eaton College field and Trent's secondary field.

Posted August 12, 2005