Something Unique is About to be Built in Mississauga

While there is no shortage of recreational opportunities in Mississauga, it’s still nice to see something new come to the city.

Especially when that something is perfect for the more athletic types among us.

The City of Mississauga recently announced that it’s constructing a second outdoor boxed soccer pitch in Mississauga’s downtown core. It will be the second pitch of its kind in Canada (the first, interestingly enough, is also located in Mississauga in City Centre).

The new pitch will be located at Mississauga Valley Park.

“I’m excited for the installation of a second boxed soccer pitch for Ward 4 and our downtown,” said Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac.

“Creating outdoor recreational spaces for residents, especially our youth, is important to the quality of life in densely populated areas of the city.  The new pitch, which will be just the second in Canada, arrives one year after the installation of the very first – also located here in Ward 4, in City Centre. Our second boxed soccer pitch will encourage residents to get outdoors and will help build a stronger, healthier and engaged community. For this, I am truly excited!”

The city says staff started looking into the possibility of installing an additional pitch at Mississauga Valley Park earlier this spring. With a high volume of park visitors, staff felt the highly-populated area with limited parkland would be the ideal location for the pitch.

“With the growing popularity of soccer in Mississauga, this second pitch is an opportunity to create a place where residents of all ages and abilities can enjoy watching or playing the game,” said Jodi Robillos, acting director, parks and forestry. “The City’s Downtown Growth Area Provision Strategy recommends the use of “pop-up” spaces to support healthy and active lifestyles.”

Under the pop-up sport concept, the pitch will not be formally programmed by the city and will instead be used for informal, drop-in soccer games.

The city is responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of the soccer pitch.

“Staff will monitor use of the pitch to help inform planning for additional locations for future pitches around the city,” the city says.

The city says the boxed soccer pitch will be in place by fall 2018.

Cover photo by @gualdjouma