MIDDLEFIELD - With an assist from the Clark Sports Center and specifically Scott Curtis, the Middlefield Youth Commission and the Town of Middlefield Historical Association will celebrate a new soccer field at the recreation area of the Old Middlefield Schoolhouse on Community Day, Sunday, July 7.

Curtis, the athletic director at the Sports Center, heard about the project and volunteered his time on Saturday to get the field, located in the hamlet of Middlefield on County Route 35, in playing shape.

"That's kind of my area of expertise, so I went out there and striped out a field on Saturday and the gym donated some equipment and goals," Curtis said.

At 1 p.m., a youth soccer game, organized by Charlotte and Brennan Hoag and Terri Adams, will be featured. Residents and visitors from throughout the area are welcome to attend.

In addition, the youth commission will run a Middlefield Sports Night every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the recreation area of the Old Middlefield Schoolhouse.

Beginning July 9, area youngsters are welcome to participate in pick-up games of soccer, baseball, capture the flag, kick ball or other activities. Players should bring their own equipment, and donations will be accepted. Adults will be present for supervision.

"The Tuesday Sports Night are sponsored to encourage the use of the community's recreation facilities," said commission member Merrilyn O'Connor. "The activities are an opportunity for kids to play and have fun. It's a beautiful spot here, and with the help of the Clark Sports Center and Scott Curtis we were able to get the soccer field in playing shape for Sunday's first game."

Created from a former saw mill site and gravel pit as a community bicentennial project in 1976, the recreation area was established for community use. The site started with a baseball field, and now the soccer field will be available for youth and adults throughout the season. Plans are also being made for half-court basketball. The Youth Commission is a volunteer group and welcomes others to help supervise activities and maintain the fields.

Community Day events in Middlefield include Brook's barbecue at the firehouse, Community Worship at the Baptist Church, open house and ice cream at the old District #1 Schoolhouse Museum, and community-wide yard sales. Middlefield is located on county Route 35 off state Highway 166.