To be able to give Surprise young athletes, including my own children, a major league quality field to play on is a dream.”

Steve Hamilton | Surprise parks supervisor

The Sports Field Managers Association has named The Fields at Countryside the Soccer Field of the Year in the Schools and Parks category, the city of Surprise recently announced.

“This prestigious recognition highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to excellence in sports field maintenance and youth sports programs,” city officials wrote in a news release.

SFMA is a nationally recognized organization that includes leaders from MLB, NFL, NCAA and parks and recreation departments across the country.

The Field of the Year program is highly competitive, recognizing outstanding turf management and facility quality, and this honor is a testament to the hard work and expertise of Surprise’s parks and maintenance teams.

“These fields were built for our youth sports participants and to be able to give Surprise young athletes, including my own children, a major league quality field to play on is a dream,” Parks Supervisor Steve Hamilton said.

City officials said the achievement was the result of the collective efforts of the community and city leadership

“Through hard work and passion, our team ensures the Fields at Countryside are truly a cut above,” Parks Maintenance Manager Ian Campbell said. “As the city continues to raise the bar, it remains committed to delivering exceptional spaces for its residents.”

For more information on Surprise parks, visit surpriseaz.gov/Parks.