Society offers space for soccer fields

A ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the new soccer fields being built at the Albion Bolton Fairgrounds. On hand for the celebration were Councillor Nancy Stewart, manager of parks Brian Baird, Bolton Wanderers director Aldo Simone, Councillor Allan Thompson, fair board past president Dwight Matson, Mayor Marolyn Morrison, fair board director Mike Bonifacio, fair board director Tom French, fair board second vice-president Sheri Plowman, fair board director Laura Boughen, fair board first vice-president Shawn Mason, Councillor Nick deBoer, board president Herb Fuller, fair board director Wilson French and Councillor David Lyons.

The Town of Caledon recognized a need for more soccer fields and attention turned to the Bolton fairgrounds. There was an opportunity for the Albion & Bolton Agricultural Society to provide a solution.

In a five-year deal set to begin immediately, the agricultural society is providing enough room on their grounds for the Bolton Wanderers Soccer Club to establish six mini soccer fields. The mini-fields are used by children 4-6 years of age.

As part of the agreement, The agricultural society will be improving the drainage of the fairgrounds by bringing in topsoil to allow for the placing of these fields.

The agricultural society, which has one of the largest privately owned green spaces in Bolton, has passively allowed entrance to their grounds for personal recreation for many years. The society has been a part of the community since 1858 providing two major community events. The Fall Fair recently celebrated 148 years in the community while the Truck & Tractor Pull is approaching 29. The society is not unfamiliar with joint ventures within the community as they previously entered into a land agreement in 1969 with the former Albion Township to build an arena and community centre.

A community group of more than 170 volunteers, the agricultural society supports the initiative of the Town of Caledon and Bolton Wanderers Soccer Club, an organization whose mandate it is to provide our youth with an enjoyable recreational outlet. It is one of the largest sports organizations in Caledon. The community benefits greatly from all volunteer based recreational groups. The agricultural society, as an integral part of the Town of Caledon's volunteer infrastructure, strives to make the community a better place to be.