Cambridge councillors make pitch for sports facility
Three city councillors are making their best pitch to have the city’s first multi-sport court on their turf.
Public consultation for the final location of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program-funded accessible sports court ends May 30, with three spots on the shortlist: Churchill Park — southwest section, 200 Christopher Dr.; Lions Can-Amera Park, 305 Saginaw Pkwy.; and Hespeler Optimist Park, 640 Ellis Rd.
Council has already earmarked $140,000 for public engagement and the detailed design, with $1.32 million in the 2023 budget for construction.
Jumpstart provides a grant of $500,000 for goods and products, including three accessible tables, a players’ bench, an adjustable net system, a uni-court net system, tennis posts and nets, six fixed basketball systems and two portable basketball systems. It also includes a five-tier bleacher and two sleeper systems, court surfacing and base, perimeter fencing, LED lighting and shade structures.
That is the “what.” The “where” is next.
“I would love to see this facility placed in the underutilized southern section of Churchill Park, an area that has been in search of a new use for many years since it stopped being used as a campground,” said Ward 6 Coun. Adam Cooper. “With ample parking, nearby washrooms and a parks operation building, I believe this project would fit like a glove into that part of the park.”
While strong arguments could be made for each of the three areas and Cooper believes Can-Amera and Optimist Park areas may be cheaper to implement, he is concerned over parking issues at both those sites, “especially at the Hespeler Optimist, Park where 100 parking spaces would need to be removed,” he said.
Ward 8 Coun. Nicholas Ermeta did his best selling the land in Lions Can-Amera Park, with the court proposed to go near current play structures. Those play structures, however, are to be replaced in 2028 and moved to another part of the park. “I’m kind of biased; Can-Amera Park, of course, as it is the most central,” Ermeta said. “In fairness to everyone who prepared the report, I will have to read the report in detail before making a final decision. One factor to consider is the cost differences for each site.”
Ward 2 Coun. Mike Devine is rooting for the spot in Hespeler, calling it a “great addition.”
“I would think it would do well in Hespeler, because the property is already there, and the arena is right there,” he said.
City staff did some leg work to find spots that met the technical requirements, including a flat site measuring at least 120 feet by 140 feet, with a base suitable for asphalt surfacing, accessible washrooms, parking and pathways, and electrical service and lighting potential. Eligible sites should also be far enough from homes, not in an area prone to flooding and not displace existing amenities.
Other capital projects had to be put on hold to fund the court — the Lions Can-Amera splash pad project, and the refurbishments of Greenway basketball courts and Willard tennis courts, totalling more than $1 million.
All three councillors did agree that the multi-sport court will improve recreation options in Cambridge.
“Wherever this facility ends up, it will be a great addition to our city and provide a fun area for children with unique accessibility needs to participate in sports,” Cooper said.
Once the final site selection is made, there will be another public information session leading up to the detailed design, from July to December. Construction is to begin in May 2024 and be completed in October 2024.