Soccer Fields

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ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. Below, he responds to a question regarding the use of fields for outdoor soccer.

QUESTION
I've noticed several fields by the softball fields at the corner of Schriever St. and George Dr. that are fenced off, but not in use. Could those fields be designated and maintained for outdoor soccer? There are several full-sized soccer goals in that area, and the field is plenty big enough for a junior-sized field at minimum. A group of us have been playing at the outdoor fields downtown, but these fields have recently been designated as authorized use only, as determined by Soccer Rapid City (who will only allow us to use their fields if we pay $50 per hour for maintenance).
Col. Mark Weatherington
Col. Mark
Weatherington		 RESPONSE
Absolutely! The large fields adjacent to the Softball Complex are primarily used for the base Youth Sports Program. During the active soccer season, we configure these fields for regular season games and as multi-purpose fields for both youth/adult practice and other recreational purposes.

Over the past eight months, the gate construction project limited access to the east field and adjacent parking areas; the contractor has since turned this area back to the base for general use. We recently reseeded the field directly north of the softball fields, which was also affected by the gate project. This field will remain closed until spring/summer of 2012 to ensure a robust turf is well established.

In addition to these areas, the field inside the Engineers Track serves as an excellent multi-use area when football is not in season. Finally, the Pride Hangar provides an Astroturf playing surface for most soccer enthusiasts. Please contact Angie Gadomski, Youth Sports Director, at 385-2277, if you have additional questions regarding shared use of the soccer fields adjacent to the Softball Complex--and thank you for your interest in fitness.