OXNARD : Work Begins on College Soccer Field

Workers and volunteers at Oxnard College spread about 800 tons of mushroom compost across a field early Wednesday in preparation for the laying of sod next month and the transformation of rough ground into a lush, world-class soccer field.

“It was kind of like an empty space next to an existing soccer field, so by the time we get finished getting the sod in, we’re going to have one slightly older field and one brand new field,” said college spokeswoman Cathy Garnica. “It will be behind a brand new P. E. complex that we’re building right now.”

The compost material was donated by Pictsweet Mushroom Farms in Ventura and was hauled for free by Conejo Ready Mix in Moorpark, Garnica said. “We just had to provide the elbow grease and the bodies to get it moving and get it spread out.”

During the past few weeks, college ground crews and volunteers have spread mulch and dug irrigation lines in the field.

Once completed, the Oxnard field will be used by one of the World Cup soccer teams for training this spring, Garnica said, and later by the college and community.

College officials are planning to lay the sod early next month and are looking for volunteers to lend a hand to the effort.

“We’re going to need dozens of folks, maybe more than 100 to get that sod out,” Garnica said.

To volunteer, call Barbara Gilmore in the Institutional Advancement Office at 986-5864.