At first glance the former Ecole scondaire Catholique l'Heritage doesn't look like a place for structured activity. With its boarded up windows and graffiti strewn walls it seems more a place for the type of vandalizing mischief that left the once nicely groomed soccer field behind it in a serious state of disrepair.
Despite the initial perception the former school gives off, the municipal soccer field behind it was actually used quite often. It was in extremely good condition, that is to say before last night when a couple of drivers decided to race their vehicles around it.
Now, the soccer field that would have been used up to 5 days a week in the up coming soccer season is significantly damaged. This will mean a big headache for park services and employees and the loss of a local soccer field for children and adults in the Minnow Lake area.
The incident, which took place at 323 Second Ave, involved what is thought to have been two 4x4 trucks. They entered in from an unlocked gate and proceeded to drive up the hill to the soccer field where some aggressive driving took place on the still wet ground. The fact that the ground was wet only ensured that the damage was far more severe than if the driving had taken place on dry ground.
The damage was estimated at $25,000 in initial repairs, which would require lifting sod, re-rolling and re-seeding. If the seeding doesn't work that total could easily rise to $75,000.
According to Park Services in Sudbury this is not the first field that has been vandalized in this way and they doubt it will be the last.
All that has been accomplished by this destruction is the disappointment of residents in the area who were looking forward to get out on the field this weekend and the loss of funds that could have been spent improving the parks and fields elsewhere in Sudbury.
Citizens with information regarding this incident are asked to contact Sudbury Police.
