University closes UPEI Artificial Turf Field

The University of Prince Edward Island values its relationship with the Island community and welcomes thousands of PEI residents along with off-Island visitors to campus facilities each year. One such campus facility is the UPEI Artificial Turf Field, which is primarily (80 per cent) used by Island community groups and residents.

The University has been aware for some time that the UPEI Artificial Turf Field was nearing its end of life and has been working on a replacement plan through a variety of fund-raising efforts. As part of its due diligence, UPEI commissioned a report to determine the current usability of the field. A consulting engineering company was engaged to perform the study and has now submitted its findings.

The assessment indicates that the UPEI Artificial Turf Field does not meet current industry performance guidelines, does not have any useable life left, and immediate replacement is recommended. Therefore, UPEI came to the difficult decision today to close the field, effective immediately.

“UPEI was looking forward to hosting our various community user groups at the UPEI Artificial Turf Field this spring and summer,” said Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance. “In the interest of safety for all users, we felt that closing the field was necessary and the responsible thing to do.

The University has made community user groups aware of the situation and is currently working with them to find other venues for their events.