WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey, June 24, 2005: White Plains $1.6 Million synthetic turf soccer field build by Westchester County adjacent the Hutchinson River Parkway was officially opened this morning with county and city officials celebrating. Mayor Joseph Delfino accepted the keys to the regulation size field, and local soccer coaches whose persistence helped galvanize the county to build the field enjoyed the feel and the springiness of the lifelike, yielding synthetic surface. County Executive Andy Spano showed he could play soccer. White Plains County Legislator Bill Ryan announced he would be working with Mayor Delfino to see if he could bring similar synthetic turf fields to Eastview School.

Getting a Kick Out of You. The Saxon Woods Soccer Field with lights. Youngsters try it out while county and city officials get the feel of the field. The field is very yielding, feels like grass and is designed to take the constant pounding, while being easier on player's knees because of its resiliency. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Uncle Joe and the Gang. Mayor Joseph Delfino with soccer experts "testing the turf" Friday morning. Mayor Delfino accepted the keys to the field from County Executive Andy Spano and County Legislator Bill Ryan. The field will be managed by White Plains Department of Recreation and Parks under Commissioner Arne Abramowitz. Abramowitz told WPCNR the fees for use of the field are still being worked out, but should range between $15 and $85.  White Plains organizations will receive priority, but the field is expected to be used by Scarsdale, Yonkers and other towns across the county.  Photo by WPCNR Sports.

County Legislator Bill Ryan introduced White Plains own Gladys Buitron of the White Plains Scorpions, and Carlos Mejia of White Plains Youth Soccer. He said Ms. Buitron brought the idea of a county soccer field to Mr. Ryan about five years ago, and it was her persistence that helped the field become a reality. Photo by WPCNR Sports

Tom Roach, Bill Ryan and Rita Malmud with professional soccer great. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Robert Fischer, Jr., left representing Scarsdale Soccer, and Peter Pinori who is involved with teams from Yonkers, pose with Bill Ryan right. Fischer and Pinori's teams will be scheduling games at the field. Photo by WPCNR Sports