Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Sports Field at Sam Yellen Park

PALMDALE, CA - The City of Palmdale is excited to announce a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly finished sports field at Sam Yellen Park, located at 5100 E. Ave. S. Residents are invited to pick the dirt out of their cleats and celebrate this important addition to our local park facilities on Friday, November 1, at 6 p.m.

"We are thrilled to open this new field for Palmdale and announce our major sponsorship of AV ALTA FC Youth Academy," said Mayor Austin Bishop. "The upcoming ceremony will be the first of many events and games, drawing our tight-knit community even closer. We are excited to bring this vision to life for our residents."

As one element of Palmdale's $19 million investment to expand Sam Yellen Park, the field is designed for soccer and other recreational activities, introducing a new space for both organized and casual play that will support local youth sports and active lifestyles.

The City is also excited to welcome AV ALTA FC Youth Academy, whose players will take the field for practice immediately following the ceremony. This sponsorship initiative will provide a unique opportunity for the next generation of players to forge a clear path toward their athletic and personal goals, empowering them to reach new heights.

"With the support of the City of Palmdale, AV ALTA FC is launching its free-to-play Academy to identify and develop the top soccer-playing talent in the Antelope Valley," said AV ALTA FC Founder and President John Smelzer. "Until now, the AV's athletes had to travel to pursue their dreams of playing collegiate and professional soccer. By making the beautifully expanded Yellen Park available for our Academy to train, the City is alleviating the burden on local players and their families, enabling them to pursue their dreams right here in Palmdale."

With thousands of kids playing club and high school soccer in the community, the Academy aims to shape the next generation of local players, both on and off the pitch, by offering a pre-professional program that works harmoniously with local clubs to build champions. The club is a US League One franchise, the largest soccer organization in North America.

"A famous man once said, 'If you build it, they will come,'" said Mayor Pro Tem Richard J. Loa. "This new field will not only serve as a place for friendly competition between our youth teams but also as a gathering spot for families and friends, fostering connections and sportsmanship."

The ceremony will feature a brief program, including remarks from City officials, District 39 Assemblymember Juan Carrillo and AV ALTA FC Youth Academy Founder and President John Smelzer.

We look forward to seeing you there!

About the City of Palmdale

The City of Palmdale, with nearly 165,000 residents, sits perfectly nestled in the Antelope Valley against the picturesque backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. Our community thrives on its forward-thinking and innovative ethos, driving progress across multiple sectors, from transportation to aerospace to public safety. Families enjoy Palmdale's excellent schools, affordable housing, abundant recreational opportunities, diverse local culture and welcoming atmosphere, all within reach of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Despite its urban proximity, Palmdale retains its identity as a desert oasis, boasting stunning landscapes, native Joshua trees and over 300 days of sunshine each year. Explore our possibilities at www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov.

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