The Calgary Sun
KATIE SCHNEIDER

Young athletes will become the ultimate winners of $1 million in funding for upgrades to Shouldice Athletic Park announced yesterday.

As part of the federal government's Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, the funding will help install three artificial turf fields, permanent bleachers and a public plaza along with landscaping, lights and a scoreboard at the 55-year-old park, located at 1515 Home Road N.W. Calgary-West MP Rob Anders said recreation facilities are important for bringing people together to "get fit and have fun. Recreation facilities are the beating hearts of Canadians from coast to coast," he said.

The new turf will extend the football season, he said.

During this spring alone, 279 games were cancelled or rescheduled due to weather affecting the fields.