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CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper City Council will apply for up to $500,000 from the Sprinturf LEAP Program for matching funds to go towards North Casper Sports Complex improvements.
The Local Empowerment Through Athletics and Play Program provides matching funds for projects that utilize synthetic turf as its primary surfacing material. LEAP Program grants are regularly awarded to local governments, school districts and recreation-focused organizations.
The city aims to use the funds to upgrade softball diamonds, soccer fields and more.
“Synthetic turf offers an ideal solution, providing a high-performance, lower-maintenance surface that supports various sports, withstands heavy usage and ensures safe play conditions,” city staff wrote in a memo.
While the grant program can award up to $500,000 in matching funds, the city has already been awarded $2,845,000 from the Wyoming Outdoor Recreations Grant Program. Through the combined funding, parks, recreation and public facilities director Zulima Lopez said, the project would not cut into the city’s funds.
Recreation supervisor Paul Zowada said that switching to turf would also save money in the long-term by cutting down maintenance and irrigation costs. Lopez said that switching to turf could potentially add 20-30 years of life at the Field of Dreams complex.
And moving to turf fields will improve the usefulness and longetivity of the fields, city recreation manager Nick Whipps added.
“You can use it earlier in the year [or] later in the year, and it can withstand weather patterns better,” Whipps said.
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