Goaaaaaaaal…get more soccer fields in Calvert!
The Calvert County Commissioners cut the ribbon last week on a major recreation project that helps address the need for more soccer venues. The new Solomons Town Center Park on Dowell Road next to Annmarie Garden was formally dedicated in a brief simple ceremony. While recreation projects tend to be loss leaders, at least two advocates see the potential for ramping up Calvert’s economy.
“It’s great because it provides more flexibility,” said Steven Kern, president of the Patuxent Football Academy. Kern’s organization plans to host a huge soccer tournament in June. Fields throughout Calvert County will be used. According to Kern, the event, which featured teams from all over the country, will likely fill up the county’s hotels and motels with the visiting players, coaches and fans.
“This field gives us the flexibility to expand the tournament,” said Kern.
The Solomons Town Center Park has five junior soccer/lacrosse fields and can be converted into a full soccer field or American football field.
Kern indicated the plan to eventually install lights at the park will not only expand competition times but will enable to the teams to hold evening practices during fall and winter’s short daylight months.
“This field was very much needed in the county,” said Joe DePaul, president of the Calvert Soccer Association (CSA). “We’d like to do a Tri-County tournament. It would bring in revenue. We are trying to make Calvert more respectable in the state as far as soccer.”
The park has several amenities, including restrooms and parking spaces. Currently, a modern playground is under construction. The playground was funded by a $200,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources.
For more information on the Patuxent Football Academy, visit www.patuxentsoccer.org.
For more information on the CSA, visit calvertsoccer.org.
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