October 19th, 2021

Current and former staff and students, along with community members came together at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School (WODSS) on Thursday, October 7 to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of their new artificial turf field. This new community resource was made a reality thanks to the many dedicated individuals involved and in partnership with the Township of Wilmot.

“The Township of Wilmot is really excited to be part of this beautiful news sports venue along with our partners, at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School and the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB),” said Acting Wilmot Township CAO Sandy Jackson. She added that this new field will be a legacy resource for all those who helped to make it a reality for the community.

Sandy Millar, vice-principal at WODSS, shared the words of Principal Carolyn Salonen, who was unfortunately unable to be at the grand opening due to a family emergency. For her, the cooperation and coordination between the township and school board set this effort apart and sets the stage well for their ongoing collaboration.

“It has truly been a joint effort, and we look forward to our continued partnership with Wilmot Township,” said Millar on behalf of Salonen. “There is no question this field, and W-O, will be a hub for our ever-growing community.”

Crissa Hill, superintendent of student achievement and well-being, remarked at the life-changing experiences that this field will support in the coming years for the athletes that play here.

“Although the turf here may be artificial, this field will be home to many very real moments for athletes, their coaches and their families,” said Hill. “From the feelings of elation after a championship-winning game to the sense of renewed focus and lessons learned after a defeat, this will be a community space where all are welcomed to learn and grow, in very real ways.”

For Mayor of the Township of Wilmot, Les Armstrong, the grand opening of this new field represents the trademark barn building spirit for which Waterloo Region is best known.

“This is an example of two entities working together to accomplish something great,” said Armstrong.

Jeff Gerber, Ward 4 Wilmot Councillor and former coach and staff member at WODSS, was also on hand to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of this new sports field. He explained that this has long been an aspiration of students, staff and community members alike.

“The idea of having a facility that we can get on first thing in the spring, and stay on until late into the fall…has always been a dream of many people at W-O,” said Gerber. “And it took many people to bring it across the finish line.”

The new space will give the school the ability to host games and tournaments, and importantly, to play after the sun sets. “It’s Thursday night lights in Wilmot,” Gerber added with a smile.

Get involved

To support the official fundraising effort to purchase a digital score clock and bleachers for the sports field, you can donate via the Waterloo Education Foundation Inc (WEFI). Be sure to specify that the donation is intended to support the WODSS Artificial Turf Field.

For information on how to rent the new artificial turf field, refer to the Township of Wilmot website.