New Place to Play Ball in Hyattsville

The quiet of open space, deep inside Hyattsville Friday was soon shattered by the clamor of cleats on a ball field, groans from runners making their laps and coaches yelling out calls for practice.

soccer players took the field at newly christened field, even as the ribbon cutting ceremony took place only yards away.

As the first , Department of Parks and Recreation of Prince George’s County artificial turf field, the football/soccer/lacrosse space was dedicated by county officials and local friends.

New planning board chair Elizabeth Hewlett thanked former chairman Samuel Parker for his work fomenting the field.

A $500,000 donation from DeMatha helped foot the bill for the first phase of the project, which cost a total of $1.8 million.

To date the project includes a lighted, regulation-sized artificial turf field, home and visitor bleachers, an electronic scoreboard, a storage shed, parking lot lighting and area for expansion. The second phase, expected in 2012, will include a restroom building and picnic shelter.

The field, located at 6001 Nicholson Street in Hyattsville, just behind Hyattsville, is available for use by permit only by calling 301-699-2400.