CTV has learned conversations are happening that could bring turf fields to London, Ont. high schools.
“I would say that we’re having very positive dialogue with the school boards about the potential opportunities that exist,” said JP McGonigle, parks and recreation director for the city of London.
Ideal locations would have ample parking and lighting, which would have minimal impact to local residents. Schools like Saunders, Banting, and Westminster could fit perfectly.
They also could look at schools like John Paul II, which already have lights installed.
A number of major municipalities to the east of London have turf fields installed at their high schools. Many believe the Forest City is far behind.

However, with the Thames Valley District School board facing a multi-million-dollar deficit, there is no chance they would be funding those themselves.
It would be part of a current reciprocal agreement between the city and TVRA, which sees students have priority during the day and community groups using the facilities at night.
“Some school boards have been able to do those on their own in the absence of agreements with municipalities, and then there’s lots of examples where it is the municipality investing money on their land,” said McGonigle. “We’re exploring both and all alternatives possible.”
The Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) high school sports season got a one-month head start to their spring season thanks to artificial turf fields in the region.

Rugby, soccer and baseball teams wouldn’t be allowed on city fields until the first week of May, but those seasons are already underway.
“The fields everywhere are still soaked and covered in water,” said Jeremy Best, girls’ rugby coach at Parkside Collegiate Institute (PCI). “Our practice field back at the school is mud, so without being able to play on turf you won’t be playing till May.”
Being tackled on turf isn’t ideal, but the surface allows a longer season, so it’s a nice trade for a little body pain.
“It’s also a pretty crucial for our newer players to get them having more time on the field and get used to playing rugby,” said Lucy Doan, PCI co-captain.
“I’m wearing leggings, so I don’t get all turf burned,” said teammate Heidi Andrews. “We practice on grass but when we come here to play it’s kind of nice because it’s always an even bounce.”

TVRA is currently using Royal Field in Dorchester (baseball), 1 Password Park in St. Thomas, Western University, Tricar Field, and the BMO Centre (rugby, soccer) to get their season underway.
The City of London has two fields at Citywide Sports Park but is looking to add more.
“Our Parks and Recreation master plan indicates that we needed 28 rectangular sport fields by 2039,” said McGonigle. “Not all user groups are interested in using turf all season, so it’s very helpful in the spring and they’re very helpful in the fall.”
McGonigle said they often hear requests to add more turf fields.
Staff did bring a business case forward as part of the multi-year budget back in 2023 for the 2024 to 2027 multi-year budget. It was a $5 million capital ask, and the purpose of that money was to find partners to invest in turf on either city or private land.
Having turf at schools is music to the ears of both athletes and coaches.
“Turf fields are way better to play, and we would be able to have crowds at the fields from our school,” said Alek Esqueda, a soccer player at John Paul II.
Best said with rugby programs increasing, the demand is even higher.
“Add in the complication of the bus scheduling and the time is limited and the number of fields are limited,” said Best. “Between here (1 Password), City wide, sometimes we have access to Western. More turf fields in the region would be massive.”
Conversations are happening.
“I think we’re excited for the future,” said McGonigle.