Prince William County Breaks Ground on Howison Homestead Soccer Complex Expansion

Today, leaders from Prince William County gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the expansion of the existing concession building at Howison Homestead Soccer Complex, as well as many other improvements that will be made. 

“This project is particularly gratifying because it’s been about six years in the making,” said Prince William County Parks and Recreation Director, Seth Hendler-Voss. “They say that good things come to those who wait, and I would argue that great things come to those who wait a little bit longer. And this project is indeed great.”

Hendler-Voss recognized all those in attendance and the parties involved in bringing the project to fruition, including County leadership, Prince William County Parks and Recreation planning staff, as well as Prince William Soccer Inc. He thanked PWSI for the programming they have provided in the County to thousands of youth over the years as well as their partnership and also recognized them for their contributions of their own capital dollars into the County's park facilities to help expedite projects like Howison.

The expansion at the soccer complex will add approximately 1,200 square feet to the building to include public restrooms, team lockers rooms, a storage room and large meeting room. Other improvements include ADA accessibility improvements, new sidewalks, two pavilions, bleachers and benches, and an LED scoreboard. The parking lot will also see many improvements like restriping, lighting and asphalt work.

County Executive Chris Shorter was in attendance and also gave remarks.

“I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve been able to come to a good number of groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings, and to be able to say that we’ve been able to use bond referendum funding and ARPA funding to bring so many projects to bear in the county has meant so very much,” said Shorter. “We have a good system, we are moving it to a great system, and I just really want to thank and appreciate all the funding that’s coming our way.”

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega also spoke and shared personal anecdotes as a soccer mom herself to what the improvements will mean to the community.

“What an exciting day!” said Vega. “I vividly recall the first meeting that we had with the club and with Seth when this project was presented to me. When you talk about the challenges, I know what it’s like whether it be parking, seating, I know because I’ve been here and so to finally see this come to this point is really, really exciting.”

Vega also reiterated the value of sports and the positive impact they bring to our youth.

“It’s an outlet in so many ways and helps our youth in so many ways,” Vega said as she noted the kids using the fields behind her as she spoke. “Despite school being out, they’re out and taking advantage of open space, staying healthy and doing good stuff. This is the kind of stuff that fills my heart with pride and with joy, knowing that not only is it an asset to our community and to our County but it’s also an asset to our youth and to our children so I’m really excited about that.”

She also went on to thank everyone involved with the project noting that it takes a collective effort.

To view more photos from today’s groundbreaking ceremony, please visit our Facebook page.