Group proposes $440K in upgrades for Mohawk Sports Park

The Golden Horseshoe Track and Field Council is proposing to spend almost $440,000 to improve the soon-to-be-named Ray Lewis Track and Field facility at Mohawk Sports Park.

Kevin Gonci, co-chair of the council, told Hamilton councillors Monday the organization is raising funds to build two 500-seat accessible spectator bleachers and an accessible gazebo.

Also in the council’s business plan is to renovate the field house, which Gonci said does not comply with current Accessibility for Ontarians Disabilities Act regulations.

“This is a public facility that is centralized for all track and field activities for public groups and schools,” said Gonci.

“It’s the only one of its kind in the city.”

Gonci said the idea is to install two accessible bleachers with ramps and viewing platforms.

In addition a pathway will be constructed directly in front of the field house, and the gazebo will be installed near the snack bar to “provide shade and cover.”

The bleachers and gazebo will allow the council to “expand our current programming (and) enhance our ability to hold major championships,” he said.

If all goes according to plan, work could begin either next April or August, said Gonci.

As for the field house, which isn’t scheduled to be renovated until 2020-21, Gonci said there are “insufficient” washrooms and the entire building needs to be upgraded.

There is no cost estimate for the project yet.