Artificial lacrosse surface gets approval for trial run

05/23/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke’s Sports & Recreation Unit wishes to inform the Community that it has addressed a formal complaint regarding a professional-grade artificial turf lacrosse surface (installed at the Kahnawà:ke Sports Complex last week) and have decided that this surface will remain in place during the entire summer on a one season trial basis, to be re-evaluated at the end of the year.

The turf was loaned to the Sports Complex by a community member, who also covered costs related to its installation and upkeep.

The nature of the complaint was in reference to allowing other activities to use the surface. A condition of the loan was that the turf be given proper care, which precluded certain activities from taking place on the floor. A ball hockey league was affected, as it was determined that this activity could damage the linkages between the segments of the turf. The Sports & Recreation Unit is committed to assisting the League find another venue and will continue to provide assistance to the League just as it has for the past three years. Other activities had inquired about the use of the Sports Complex this summer, though none of those had secured any floor time or contracts. The turf is intended to be used for lacrosse only.

Kahnawà:ke Minor Lacrosse, the Junior ‘B’ Hunters, the Kahnawake Mohawks and the organizers of this year’s Presidents Cup have all confirmed their support and enthusiasm for the installation and use of the turf.

“This is really good news for lacrosse in Kahnawà:ke, for several reasons,” said Sports Complex General Manager Kenneth Kane. “This is the exact surface that is used in professional box lacrosse, which will give our young players the opportunity to get used to playing on this type of turf. It has some cushion, which concrete doesn’t have. And it looks great!”

The MCK would like to thank the Community member who loaned the surface to the Sports Complex at no charge.