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Sports

Soccer Fields Get Green Light From BOC

Rabbit Hill expansion project approved by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.

The Dacula Soccer Club and its loyal parents and fans are celebrating a decision by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners to move forward with the expansion of in Dacula.

Grant Guess, Division Director of Project Administration for Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation, said the project had been tabled to allow commissioners more time to consider the expansion.

“After consideration, the project was passed at the (Aug. 16) meeting," Guess said.

“I am happy to be able to bring this project out of ground not only for soccer, but also for the athletic association and for the people in the community,” Guess added.

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Earlier this week, . Club members feared the decision would mean two much needed fields would not be built.

At the Aug. 16 board meeting, District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter mentioned the emails she received about the park project.

“These people were very kind, very considerate,” Lasseter said. “I just appreciate how they approached the situation with all of the commissioners, and they wrote us all and they copied us all on there. But, there was not one email that was not gracious and kind.”   

District 4 Commissioner John Heard said tabling the vote gave him more time to gather information.

“I wanted to get input from the local participants at the park, particularly the Mountain View Athletic Association and the soccer clubs,” Heard said. “They have given me a commitment that they will be involved in the maintenance and operations.”

Heard added the promise of volunteer participation is a key component of the project.

“We are going to be having to lean heavily on our volunteers to take care of these facilities and make us proud,” he said. 

Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with the expansion. (Click here to view the meeting discussion.)

In an email to Dacula Patch, Kevin Scheiwe, director of the recreational program for the Dacula Soccer Club, said the club was very happy with the outcome and thanked everyone for their support.

“I think I can speak for many of our volunteer coaches that we are relieved and excited that the Board of Commissioners decided to move forward with the expansion of [Rabbit Hill Park],” Scheiwe wrote. “I heard from many of our volunteer coaches that sent emails expressing their concerns and I truly think it was the response of our coaches, members and the community that kept the project from being tabled. It's great to see our club and community not only step up, but actually be listened too. Thanks to everyone involved, including our Commissioners and members of the community.”


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