Right to pause plans for soccer field

Reykjavik city council is pausing plans for a new artificial turf soccer field in Landakotstún, a popular green space in the capital. Einar Þorsteinsson, chairman of the city council, stated that it is right to reconsider the project if the neighborhood's residents wish it.

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It's absolutely Central Park-like there all year round, and we don't have many such public parks.

The council had approved the field's development in 2023 when Þorsteinsson also chaired the council. Andrés Jónsson, a public relations consultant living near Landakotstún, has been observing the area's use. He described the meadow as a vibrant public space, akin to a "Central Park," used year-round for picnics, games, children's parties, and sunbathing.

Jónsson brought attention to the proposed soccer field on a local Facebook page, noting that it could occupy an area already well-utilized by the community. He emphasized that while he is not opposed to improvements, those planning the field should recognize its current value to many people. He questioned whether the existing soccer field in the park could be upgraded instead, particularly addressing issues with the grass's unevenness between the goalposts.

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I'm not against something being done there, but I think it's necessary for those who are behind this and designing this field to know that very many people use this exact spot where the field is supposed to go.

Þorsteinsson responded to Jónsson's post, acknowledging the feedback and suggesting a pause in the plans if residents desire it. He proposed focusing on improving the current soccer field, stating, "This is an area for you [the residents]." The sentiment among residents commenting on Jónsson's post largely supported his concerns about preserving the existing use of Landakotstún.

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Thank you for this input. Perhaps it is right to pause these plans if the residents wish. Just fix the current soccer field. This is an area for you.