The Town of Hempstead cut the proverbial ribbon on its new Point Lookout Athletic Complex in Point Lookout as coaches, parents and athletes are excited for the upcoming sports season.
“It’s great and it’s exciting. Now more kids are going to want to play on this beautiful field,” referee Micheal Soto said.
Four youth soccer teams, Wantagh-Seaford PAL vs. Connetquot United Soccer Club and East Coast Surf National Premier League vs. East Coast Surf National Academy League, came bright and early to the athletic complex to be the first to play on the fields.
The all year-round, multi-sport complex is equipped with two full-sized turf fields for soccer, lacrosse and even football.
“The facility is equipped for any type of weather and it has lights,” Connetquot United Soccer Club coach, Robert Caruana said.
Appointed Town Clerk Kate Murray and Councilwoman Laura Ryder joined Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, who represents the 4th councilmanic district, at the athletic complex’s grand opening.
“These two new fields represent an important investment in our community, and especially our youth athletes,” Ferretti said. “We want you to have the best and safest places to play, practice and grow.”
The youthful athletes opened the new fields similar to how high school and college football teams enter their home fields
“We invite all of our athletes to participate in the grand opening by running through our banner,” Ferretti said.
Then it was time to test out the field that had various youth soccer teams playing throughout the day. The field was a hit among the community.
“It’s a beautiful and great turf field for the kids’ to play on,” a parent of an athlete, Jim Jesseck said.
“The field is beautiful and it’s great for the community and the kids,” Caruana said.
“I’m looking forward to reffing here more often,” Soto said.
The construction of the complex began in February, funding for it came from a bond that was a part of a capital project.
“This was all within budget and will actually come under budget,” Ferretti said.
The two fields, which will sit side by side, will be a total of 390 feet long and 488 feet wide. The playable portion will be 360 feet long and 210 feet wide. The project will cost about $8 million, officials said in February at the groundbreaking. The fields are a budgeted expense for the town that will be recouped through sponsorships, field rentals and more.
“This is the Town of Hempstead’s field of dreams,’” said Bill Harkins, the town’s commissioner of parks. It’s just a really beautiful facility.”
Although the complex prioritizes youth sports teams all ages are welcome to bring their team on the field for a game.
“I believe that we already have a list of teams that want to play here,” Ryder said.
The complex typically will be opened during the park’s hours. It will extend its hours to accommodate games.
“This brand new field will encourage kids to continue playing,” Ferdi Ferrufinlo, another parent of an athlete said.
For more information on booking the field, go to HempsteadNY.gov/1006/Facilities-Overview,
