SJC Kicks Off Football Field Renovation at Solomon Calhoun Center with Groundbreaking

• 6 March 2025
• Category: SJC News Parks and Recreation
• Tags: 2025

On March 3, St. Johns County officials, staff, and community members gathered at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center (1300 Duval St., St. Augustine) football field for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of work to replace the field’s grass with artificial turf. The Office of Public Affairs made a video to commemorate the event.

Replacing the turf and improving the associated drainage system is the first phase of renovations planned for the Solomon Calhoun Community Center. St. Johns County commissioners Christian Whitehurst (District 1), Sarah Arnold (District 2), Clay Murphy (District 3), and Ann Taylor (District 5) were present for the groundbreaking.

Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Kane explained why artificial turf will benefit everyone who uses the field.

“In areas like this, where we’re unable to expand upon fields, doing something like adding artificial turf is going to expand play at this site to 365 days a year,” Kane said.

“As someone who kind of grew up in this neighborhood, my children and now my grandchildren have played at these parks and played on these fields,” Board of County Commissioners Vice-Chair Clay Murphy said. “This is going to be an amazing opportunity for the next generations and generations to come to experience year-round football.”

“This turf field represents more than just a place to play,” Commissioner Sarah Arnold said. “It’s a step forward in creating a facility that meets the needs of our growing community. From year-round access to fewer cancellations due to soggy, muddy grass, this field will ensure that our residents and their families have more opportunities to enjoy sports, recreation, and community events.”

Robert Nimmons, chair of the West Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency Steering Committee, spoke of the County’s investment in recreation as a community victory.

“Today, we are one step closer to giving our youth a chance to appreciate the overall progress of their community,” Nimmons said.

###

Get more St. Johns County news by receiving our e-newsletters and learn how to stay informed with accurate, timely information through a blend of community outreach initiatives by the Office of Public Affairs.