Volunteer effort New Jackson Soccer Park holds grand opening

The days of makeshift soccer fields mapped out with orange cones in pasture land ended Saturday with the grand opening of the Jackson Soccer Park on Route PP. Despite some drizzle, families unpacked their vehicles filled with children, spectator relatives and the paraphernalia needed to sit comfortably and watch the big white ball being chased by the next generation.

Soccer mom Paula Tetley of Jackson said, "I think the soccer park is awesome." She knows what it's like to leave in the middle of one child's game to tote another to a practice or game at a different park. The 13 new fields -- able to accomodate different field goal requirements, hold tournaments and arrange schedules so parents can attend all the games -- are a convenience Tetley values highly.

"It's a huge step for Jackson as far as youth goes. To go to the lengths they went to to get the grant, do the research and prepare the fields was a tremendous undertaking," Tetley said.

Plans for the soccer park were launched in 2002 because of the increased interest in youth soccer. At the time, Jackson had just five fields for games and practices. Jackson Industrial Development Co. donated 27 acres on a floodplain, donations amounted to $250,000 and a $150,000 Land and Water Conservation grant was obtained for the new park.

Jack Litzelfelner Jr., Jackson Soccer Park Association president, said that since the city was not in a position to fund a sporting venture, the association instead found a way that didn't affect taxpayers.

He said, "We tried to set a model for future programs. I don't know how many people even know just how many thousands of hours were spent picking up lumps of rocks and those who provided their own equipment just for the purpose of kids playing soccer."

Brent Wills, vice president of the association, said the project began with a vision that arose from children's need of a place to play soccer. The project was the result of work by soccer parents, the Jackson Soccer Park Association, the city of Jackson and 6,000 to 7,000 volunteer hours.

The project is still not complete. Wills said still to come are the concession stands, restrooms, irrigation and asphalt paving. The concession stand should be completed by the end of the summer. Six handicapped parking spaces and portable toilets are available.