New Artificial Turf Field Opens In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A new artificial turf field at Shelter Road has been unveiled, inviting usage by student athletes, summer camps, the Ocean City Nor'Easters and more.

Mayor Jay Gillian joined school, city, county and state officials, student athletes and city team members to cut the ribbon on the new field this past Friday, ahead of the spring sports season.

"The new field will be home to school teams in lacrosse, soccer and field hockey. It will serve youth clinics, recreational programs and summer sports camps," Gillian wrote in his weekly update. "The Ocean City Nor'easters will be able to use it as a practice field, and it could host exhibition games in the same way that Carey Stadium does."

When the artificial turf project was first announced in 2022, some voiced concerns over the turf, though school sports coaches supported it.

Gillian said that the cork-filled surface is "safe for the variety of athletes who will use it."

"Artificial turf fields are less weather-dependent and require far less maintenance and repair than traditional grass fields," he said.

He called the new facility "exceptional."

"I'm proud to continue to invest in facilities and programs that serve the youth of Ocean City," Gillian said.