BRUCEDALE – A sponsorship deal valued at $250,000 will allow Drexler Construction to have the naming rights at five new soccer fields in Rockwood for up to 40 years.
Guelph-Eramosa Township passed a bylaw to confirm the deal at its Jan. 21 council meeting.
Mayor Chris White expressed his appreciation to Drexler representatives.
“This means a lot for kids in our community,” said White, noting Drexler has operated locally for more than 40 years.
“We have ambitions for that park, but we’re not going to jack up taxes.”
Drexler has agreed to pay the $250,000 in equal instalments over five years, with the money to be used to assist in the construction, operation and maintenance of the fields at Rockmosa Park.
The road leading directly to the soccer fields will be named Drexler Avenue. In its marketing materials, the township will refer to the Drexler Soccer Fields and allow Drexler signage at the entrance and at each field.
Stephen Hunter, president of the Rockwood Football Club, said the long-planned fields will provide a safer, better quality surface, and better scheduling.
More than 500 players participate with the club.
Fields 1 to 4 will not be put into play until 2020 or 2021, and no date is set for the construction of Field 5. The fields will be irrigated.
The agreement will expire on the earliest of: the life of the fields (at the township’s discretion), 40 years, Drexler being out of business, or Drexler not paying the instalments.
In addition to four soccer fields, the township is also planning to complete other projects at Rockmosa Park this year: a paved and lit walking trail, a 2.2-acre leash-free dog park, additional parking, a toboggan hill and tree planting.
