Naperville’s Nike Park rolls out the green carpet

The highlight of the Nike Sports Complex renovation has begun to take shape on the Naperville’s north side.

Workers have begun installing 45 rolls, or 111,165 square feet, of artificial turf that will become the district’s first lighted, synthetic field.

Park district officials say the field will benefit youth athletic teams, which have been pressed for space to play weekday games, especially in the early spring and late fall when daylight is limited.

Besides the synthetic turf field, other amenities in the $7 million project include sand volleyball courts and multiuse fields for soccer, football and lacrosse. The district also is adding lighted courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball, as well as a playground, walking and bicycle trails, and one of two cricket pitches in Naperville.

Project manager Michael Piszynski said the project is still on target for a July 18 grand opening.