A concept drawing by Sports Turf Intarional, part of a phased approach to the Lamont Sports Park development as presented to Council June 22. A business plan is expected to be heard July 13. 

Hub Staff

With ballers in Saugeen Shores itching to get out on the diamonds, Saugeen Shores Council was equally eager to hear the concept plans for the new Lamont Sports Park, presented by consultants Gord Dol and Harry Kodors from Sports Turf International at a recent Committee of Whole meeting.

Dol walked councillors through a 10 year phased development process for the Lamont Sports Park which included two to four lit diamonds built in the first five years. After the first set of diamonds are completed, the need for additional diamonds will be reassessed. Dol recommended designing the complex now to be able to accommodate more diamonds for the future.

Dol shared conceptual drawings of a park that contained eight diamonds in two pinwheel formations. A proposed two level octagon pavilion in the centre of the pinwheels would house a concession stand, washrooms and upper level timekeeper and announcer area. The first pinwheel is scheduled for phase two of the development. Phase one would involve site grading, bringing in electrical and water services, roadways, parking and landscaping.

Phase one is estimated between $1.6 million and $2 million, and phase two between $1.6 million and $2.1 million. If approved, phase one would be carried out in 2020 with the constructions of the first two to four diamonds following in 2021. As the new diamonds are built, Dol recommended retiring and repurposing some of the older diamonds but continuing to use the Biener and Jubilee ballparks.

Deputy Mayor and Advisory Committee Chair Don Matheson explained that the first pinwheel would meet current community demands and stressed that half of the costs in the first phase are incurred by bringing in amenities and won’t be required in subsequent phases.

Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt made reference to the 2016 Recreation Master Plan that was also acknowledged in the report from Sports Turf International. Myatt quoted a provincial standard of one diamond required per 100 ball players. The Master Plan indicated 1,249 community ball players in 2016 but as Myatt pointed out women's fastball teams have increased from one in 2016 to eight that would have played the 2020 season. Additionally the slow-pitch league has increased a net of seven teams between the women's and men’s. Minor ball numbers have also increased by 150 registrants, reported Myatt. The Vice Deputy Mayor stressed the need for all four diamonds in 2021 construction, not the two initially stated by staff.

Councillor Dave Myette questioned how much of the burden would fall on taxpayers and noted 57 percent of survey respondents were not baseball participants. “Do we have assurances that the burden will be somewhat lessened when we talk about repurposing some of the diamonds that are going to be retired after this complex is built,” asked Myette.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau indicated the upcoming Lamont Sports Park Business Plan to be presented by staff at the July 13 Council meeting would layout funding options. “I agree with you, Councillor Myette, that the taxpayer can’t be burdened to that extent. We have to find other sources of funding to help offset the cost of that,” he said.

Charbonneau expressed his desire for an accessible play structure incorporated into the park. “I’m very keen to see that Kraft Heinz money put toward an accessible playground inside that facility,” he said. “I see $75,000 in here for a playground, I hope we can make that a lot more,” he said.

The recommendation that Council receive the Lamont Sports Park Concept Plans presented by Sports Turf International was unanimously approved by members.

For the full concept plan, visit https://saugeenshores.civicweb.net/FileStorage/DF23D02EE43348C6A00BB376D1874870-Council%20Presentation%20Lamont%20Park%20June%2022%202020-Atta.pdf.