Roswell cut the ribbon Thursday, Sept. 24, on two rebuilt soccer fields at Grimes Bridge Park, completing a $4.1 million project from the city's 2022 Parks Bond Program.

The project replaced the park's two natural-grass fields with artificial turf, ending years of rain-related closures caused by the site's native soil and granite bedrock. The city estimates the switch saves roughly 29 staff hours per week from February through November, freeing maintenance crews for other parks.

"For years, soccer at Grimes Bridge has been a cornerstone of Roswell's recreation programs, serving young players and adults alike … Today, these fields have a new playing surface, a rebuilt foundation and a better experience for players and spectators," Steven Malone, director of Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs, said at the ceremony, according to RoswellConnections.com.

Beyond the turf, the project included a rebuilt retaining wall, a new plaza and stairway connection, fencing and netting upgrades, and stormwater improvements including restoration of the on-site detention pond.

Roswell City Council authorized the construction contract at its Nov. 10, 2025, meeting, awarding the work to Precision Turf, LLC for approximately $3.56 million. The contract was signed Dec. 1, 2025, and construction began in January 2026. The retaining wall was finished by June, and turf installation started in July.

The new turf is a three-layer system consistent with fields at Roswell Area Park, East Roswell Park and Groveway Park. It carries an eight-year manufacturer warranty and an expected lifespan of about 10 years, according to the city's earlier project summary.

The fields support multiple configurations and meet Developmental Players League requirements for Roswell's Select soccer programs. The city's project proposal noted the timing aligns with increased soccer participation across the Atlanta region tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Councilmember Eren Brumley, speaking at the Sept. 24 ceremony, called the city's parks "… among this city's most valuable assets," according to RoswellConnections.com. Malone said athletics staff will program the fields throughout the week to maximize playing time.

One more piece remains.

A landscape plan will add 29 new trees to Grimes Bridge Park this fall.