Challenge
Norm Perry Memorial Park was badly in need of an upgrade. For over 90 years, the park had served the community well, hosting countless football, soccer, lacrosse and rugby teams. Now it needed a $1 million upgrade to its south field that would include artificial turf, new lights and a new scoreboard. The upgrade would allow more sports clubs to use the field and host more tournaments.
The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation stepped up to the plate and donated $275,000 toward the $1 million upgrade. The balance would come from the Sarnia Boys’ Soccer Club and the city.
The park had a rich athletic history. Originally called Athletic Park, Norm Perry Park had been used for athletic activities since the 1920s. It was the home field for the Sarnia Imperials football team and had hosted the famous CFL Grey Cup in 1933.
Norman Alix himself had fond memories of the park, recalling big crowds watching the Sarnia Golden Bears play football there in the 1950s and many high school football rivalry games as well. He and Judith wanted to be sure others would have those types of experiences.
“We felt that it was a real good project for the sports in this town and for the local economy,” Norman Alix said. “That’s an old park, and the upgrade will rejuvenate it and give it new life for many years to come.”
In May 2013 new turf was rolled out on what has become known as Alix Field. It is now considered the centerpiece of Norm Perry Memorial Park. The other upgrades are expected to be complete by spring 2015.
Numerous football, soccer, lacrosse and rugby teams and thousands of Sarnia youths use the park for recreation, team practice and to participate in games and tournaments.
Sarnia
300 Exmouth Street, Sarnia, ON N7T 5N2
