WCDSB breaks ground on Bishop Macdonell track and turf field

GUELPH – The Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) has broken ground on a new track and turf field installation at Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School (BMCHS), alongside the site of the City of Guelph’s highly-anticipated South End Community Centre.

The redevelopment of the sports fields at BMCSH will see a brand new six-lane polyurethane rubberized running track, a full size artificial turf field to accommodate various sports including football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and field hockey, and a spectator berm.

“The new field will extend the playing season, will be easier to maintain and will be of benefit to our students, student-athletes and community,” said WCDSB associate director of corporate services Tracy McLennan.

“Providing recreation facilities for our students and their families to continue to learn and grow in the south end contributes to a whole community approach to education. We are grateful to see this new development and know it will be a positive addition for our community.”

The track and turf field has an expected completion date of June 2024, while the South End Community Centre is expected to open in 2026.

‘Building community’

“As we break ground on the future site of the South End Community Centre, we’re not just building a community centre, we’re building community, a place where people can meet, connect, and be active,” said City of Guelph chief administrative officer Scott Stewart.

The WCDSB is grateful to contractor Ritchfield Inc. and landscape architect Hill Design Studio Inc.