A turf field, batting cage, playground and bike skills park is one step closer to becoming a reality for Aldergrove residents eagerly awaiting proper sports facilities.

'It's Aldergrove's turn,' was the sentiment of Township council as plans for the development of the South Aldergrove Athletic Park were kicked into high gear at Monday evening's Township meeting.

Council endorsed the park concept plan and authorized staff to begin site clearing as a first phase of developing the new facilities.

"Aldergrove Rotary has dedicated $35,000, there is even more money in the community to get the ball rolling. This community wants to get going, not next week but tomorrow," said Councillor Charlie Fox. He is a resident of Aldergrove and a member of the Rotary Club there. "As soon as the land is cleared, the community and corporations will come forward."

Councillor Mel Kositsky disagreed.

"The rest of the plans will have to wait until next year. We did get the ball rolling with making a [federal] application for $690,000 grant that would fund the batting cage, bike park and playground," said Kositsky. "We can't take action until we hear about that."

"Other areas of the Township have been treated well. It's Aldergrove's turn. The youth need facilities there," said Councillor Kim Richter. "The indoor pool came up a lot in the input from the community but it's expensive."

Richter asked that Aldergrove's athletic park be considered a priority in this year's budget talks. Council voted in favour of her amendment.

Aldergrove residents were asked to provide their input into what they would like to see at the park and the response was huge.

Heath MacKenzie is one of those who responded. He owns Cranky's Bike Shop in Aldergrove and along with Langley Mountain Biking Association's Russ Simpson, would like to create a mountain bike park.

"It's not just big dirt jumps but a lot more. It will be a focal point for the community with families being able to do a multitude of sports in one park," said MacKenzie.

He's ready to develop an Aldergrove Mountain Biking Association if the bike park is created.

MacKenzie spoke alongside Simpson, president of the Langley biking association who built the bike park in Willoughby.

Art Bandenieks spoke on behalf of more than 2,000 members of soccer clubs in Aldergrove including youth, united soccer, seniors and girls clubs.

Presenting a poignant Power Point presentation of rusty goal posts and failing gravel fields, Bandenieks added drama to his presentation by presenting council with some gravel in plastic baggies.

"We barely get by with the fields we have in Aldergrove. Brown Park is frequently closed due to weather. Sometimes we can use Shortreed or the all-weather at Betty Gilbert but even that closes from the rain," he said. "Across town, kids enjoy brand new turf fields [at Willoughby Park and MAP]."

He commented that a turf field is used more because it isn't subject to weather problems and doesn't require watering or mowing.

"Everyone who was on board to build the Rotary Field House and picnic shelter is ready to go. Community groups will put in the funds to get the ball rolling," said Bandenieks.

The Lions, Elks and Rotary are already on board, as are the soccer clubs.

Clearing includes removing numerous cottonwood trees and other older trees that Bandenieks contends are starting to decay.

There was no discussion on the fate of the indoor pool.