(Image Credit: City of Prince George)
Recreation

Prince George receives $7 million boost for new artificial turf field at Carrie Jane Gray Park

Jul 30, 2026 | 9:17 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George is moving ahead with a major upgrade to one of its premier sports facilities after securing $7 million in federal funding for the next phase of the Carrie Jane Gray Park modernization project.

The City announced Thursday that funding from the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Strategic Priorities Fund will help pay for the construction of a new multi-sport artificial turf field at Carrie Jane Gray Park.

The field is planned for land between the beach volleyball courts and Citizen Field and is considered one of the key elements of the park’s long-term redevelopment plan. City officials say the synthetic turf surface will significantly expand playing opportunities by extending the outdoor sports season from April through October.

Recreation and Events Supervisor Robyn McConkey says the project will help address growing demand for athletic field space in Prince George.

“Carrie Jane Gray Park is a premier athletic hub that plays a key role in our community’s sport and recreation network,” McConkey said. “The existing synthetic turf field at Masich Place Stadium is heavily booked and the demand for more field space is high.”

The planned facility will feature a multi-sport artificial turf field, field lighting and more than 5,000 square metres of flexible warm-up space. The funding announcement marks a significant step toward realizing the park’s multi-phase modernization vision.

The federal grant will cover site preparation and construction costs for the new turf field. The City’s portion of the project, estimated at roughly $4 million under a 2024 budget estimate, will still require council approval during a future budget cycle.

City Manager Walter Babicz welcomed the investment, saying the modernization project will benefit both local residents and the broader economy.

“This project has far-reaching implications, from making outdoor recreation more accessible to families in Prince George, to boosting our local economy through event and tournament hosting,” Babicz said.

Mayor Simon Yu also praised the funding announcement, calling the new field a major milestone for the redevelopment of the city’s athletic corridor.

The turf field project cannot begin until the park’s existing BMX track is relocated. Council previously approved $1.9 million for the creation of a new BMX facility, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

In the meantime, construction crews are set to begin utility upgrades next month, including new water and sanitary sewer services to support future development at the park.

City officials say the additional field capacity will help accommodate local sports organizations while strengthening Prince George’s ability to attract regional, provincial and national sporting events.