A new artificial turf surface is ready for the 2026 box lacrosse season at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound, Ontario. The installation is the result of a partnership between the city and local lacrosse groups, providing a professional-grade surface for athletes and opening the door for the community to host national championships.
The project was made possible by securing lightly-used turf from the former Albany FireWolves professional practice facility. Ethan Woods, the general manager of the Owen Sound Junior B North Stars, leveraged his background as a former player for the Albany team to secure the purchase. Acquiring the used surface cost approximately $50,000, which includes shipping. This provided a significant discount compared to the $125,000 to $150,000 required for a new installation.
Funding for the turf was shared between the municipality and the local lacrosse community. The City of Owen Sound contributed $25,000 toward the project, while the remaining funds were raised through sponsorships and donations organized by local lacrosse associations. The facility, which has served the area since 1983, will see the turf installed on the arena floor from May through August each year. During the winter months, the surface will be stored in an on-site shipping container to accommodate the hockey season.
Beyond supporting daily play for youth and junior teams, the upgraded floor meets the requirements to host prestigious national events, such as the Founders’ Cup for Junior B and the Presidents’ Cup for Senior B. Officials expect the turf to remain in use for 15 to 20 years, marking a long-term investment in local sports infrastructure.
