CRANBERRY TWP — The township is looking into putting artificial turf and lights on three soccer fields at North Boundary Park as part of a partnership with the Seneca Valley Soccer Association.

The association sees the artificial turf as a way to grow the sport in the area and host more special soccer programs and tournaments, drawing people to the township.

“We're thrilled,” said Matt DeMarco, association president. “It'll be amazing for the players and the residents of Cranberry Township.”

Supervisors approved a $75,800 payment for design services for the turf and lights to Pennoni Associates at its Dec. 7 meeting.

They also approved an agreement with the Seneca Valley Soccer Association to reimburse the township for the costs of the design services.

The artificial turf will extend the playing season, DeMarco said, allowing players to practice, train and play games during and after inclement weather.

That also will give them the opportunity to host tournaments, he said. If people are traveling to Cranberry to play, the fields have to be weatherproof, he said.

In addition to hosting tournaments, they could sponsor programs for children and young adults with special needs. DeMarco said one popular program — TOPSoccer, a US Youth Soccer program for children with special needs — is typically held on artificial turf fields to allow those with physical disabilities to participate.

Once the design and cost estimates are complete, the township and soccer association potentially will work out another partnership agreement to move forward with construction.

The association has a 10-year agreement with the township running through 2018 to use four fields in Graham Park and three in North Boundary Park.

DeMarco said if a new agreement is worked out, the township would likely pay for the project up front and the association would contribute money over a set number of years.

“You really have to have turf fields in place,” he said. “That brings tourism and money into the community as well, and long-term that will help us contribute financially.”

The association has about 1,700 players in its spring and fall seasons, and registration numbers have remained stable over the last few years.

“We're still seeing very vibrant memberships and sign-ups, especially among our youth 6 to 12,” DeMarco said.