State-of-the-Art Turf Facility Debuts as New Home for Youth Sports
WESTLAKE, OH – Under brilliant autumn skies on Saturday, October 25, the City of Westlake officially opened the doors to the new Parkside Athletic Field Complex, transforming the former Parkside Elementary School site into a premier destination for youth athletics.
Mayor Dennis Clough joined members of the City Council, local families, and young athletes for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., marking the culmination of nearly a decade of planning and community investment.
"This complex represents more than new fields—it represents our commitment to providing top-class recreational opportunities for our children and families," said Mayor Clough. "We're grateful to our residents for supporting this vision, and we're excited to see these fields come alive with activity for years to come."
A Vision Brought to Life
The journey to Parkside began in 2015 with a comprehensive master plan study, followed by strong resident support through levy funds approved in 2017. Thanks to a $1 million grant through Cuyahoga County ARPA funding, the city was able to demolish the former school building and reimagine the space as a cutting-edge athletic facility.
The project represents a true collaboration across city departments, with the Engineering, Recreation, and Service Departments working in concert alongside project partners OSPORTS/Osborn Engineering, RJ Platten Contracting Company, FieldTurf, and the Vasco Group.
Innovation Meets Safety
What sets Parkside apart is its commitment to player safety and environmental responsibility. After extensive research, the city selected FieldTurf's Vertix Core Blended Turf paired with CoolCob infill—making Westlake the first community in Ohio to feature this innovative material.
CoolCob, made from the woody ring of corn cobs, is a biodegradable alternative to traditional turf infill that naturally keeps the playing surface cooler and more comfortable. It's an eco-friendly choice that doesn't compromise on performance, giving parents peace of mind while their children play.
A Home for Community Athletics
The Parkside Athletic Field Complex will serve as the new home for Westlake Youth Soccer, Westlake Youth Football, and numerous other local athletic programs, providing a centralized, professional-grade venue for practices, games, and tournaments.
Saturday's celebration captured the spirit of what the complex aims to foster. Following the ribbon-cutting, children participated in skills and drills led by Westlake Youth Soccer and Football organizations, while families enjoyed hot dogs from Rocheck Concessions and refreshments courtesy of local scouts. Ohio Mobile Gaming provided inflatable football and soccer challenges, and Kona Ice added a sweet touch to the festivities.
A special moment of the ceremony included scouts leading the raising of the American flag, a fitting symbol of community pride and patriotism.
Looking Ahead
With its state-of-the-art surface, modern amenities, and prime location, the Parkside Athletic Field Complex is poised to become a hub of activity and a source of pride for Westlake residents.
The City of Westlake extends its heartfelt thanks to all community partners, volunteers, and residents who made this project possible.
For more info - here