Solomon Calhoun Community Center Field Upgrade Nearly Complete

4 August 2025
Category: SJC News Infrastructure Parks and Recreation
Tags: 2025

Artificial turf field will support year-round youth sports in St. Johns County

A major upgrade is underway at Solomon Calhoun Community Center, where St. Johns County is converting a frequently used grass field into a high-performance artificial turf field as part of a phased Capital Improvement Project (CIP). The enhancements aim to provide increased access to youth sports and reduce weather-related closures at the popular athletic complex. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to capture the progress thus far.

“This project was focused on converting a grass field into an artificial turf field,” said Chris Gatchell, Project Manager for St. Johns County Public Works. “That way, the field can be utilized year-round. Regardless of weather, it is designed not to flood—there’s plenty of drainage under this.”

Funded through Fiscal Year 2023 Tourist Development Tax dollars, the new turf field is designed to host lacrosse, soccer, and football, with permanent striping for all three sports. The upgrade is expected to minimize downtime due to rain, increase tournament hosting capabilities, and reduce long-term maintenance needs for the County’s Parks and Recreation team.

“After a long rain, you can still come use the field with minimal maintenance for the Parks and Recreation Department,” Gatchell said. “It’s really neat—especially once the kids start playing on it.”

Construction began in February and is on track to be completed in August. Progress is currently on schedule.

“This is a big improvement to the community,” Gatchell said. “Having all three of those sports groups come out here and be able to utilize this field year-round will be a real improvement for the Solomon Calhoun Community Center.”

This artificial turf conversion is considered Phase I of a larger vision for Solomon Calhoun Community Center. Phase II is currently in the planning stage and may include additional amenities such as restrooms, stadium seating, and other park features designed to enhance the complex and attract larger events.

“Hopefully, we can get that going in the next few years,” Gatchell said.

The Solomon Calhoun Community Center improvements represent St. Johns County’s continued commitment to investing in community recreation, expanding access to youth sports, and enhancing its ability to host regional tournaments.

For more information on St. Johns County Capital Improvement Projects, visit www.sjcfl.us/featured-projects.