New fields for soccer starting to take shape

By ELISE FRANCO

Residents said the new fields will bring more money into the township.

CANFIELD — Construction on the first phase of the new township park has been well under way for more than three weeks, and residents are excited to see the progression.

A portion of the 58-acre property on Herbert Road, a little more than a mile west of state Route 46, is being transformed into Canfield Township’s first soccer fields.

Ed Bernat, who has lived in Canfield since 1997, said seeing the soccer fields come to life is a dream come true for residents.

“We need this because it’s going to bring in a lot of revenue,” he said. “[Soccer teams] could be playing championship games and tournaments here, instead of traveling to places like Hudson.”

Bernat said two of his three granddaughters play soccer and will undoubtedly benefit from the addition to the township.

“The park and soccer fields were top priorities on a survey that went out to Canfield residents some time ago,” he said.

Ron Knarr lives off South Turner Road, which runs perpendicular to Herbert Road. He’s said he’s lived there for almost 40 years and is thrilled to see this project become a reality.

“I love it,” Knarr said. “It’s going to save this area from becoming rows and rows of more houses.”

He said he stops by the construction site every morning and evening to look around and take photos.

“I try to take at least some pictures every day so I can document the progress,” Knarr said.

DanCo Construction, of Lordstown, was awarded the first portion of the project with a bid of $454,000.

Dan Cuckovich, owner of the company, said so far all work has gone smoothly.

“It’s progressing really well,” he said. “The township has been great to work with, and they’re very excited about project.”

Cuckovich attributes the success so far to the cooperative weather.

“The weather’s been relatively good, so I don’t have any issues as of yet,” he said. “We’ve been working 10 to 12 hours per day trying to take advantage of the good weather while we have it.”

Besides the soccer fields, phase one includes a lake with a gazebo, athletic fields and a main entry to the park.

Cuckovich said the fields are slated for completion in late November.