Quesnel’s Ball Park Action Plan was unveiled at this week’s City Council meeting.
It includes possible changes for West Fraser Timber Park.
Blair Arbuthnot, with R.F. Binnie and Associates, says the plan would start with the reprogramming of the existing bantam baseball diamond that is currently sized for men, and replacing it with a new bantam and midget diamond.
“The advantage of reprogramming the bantam diamond will also allow the development of three additional baseball diamonds, which would be two new tadpole/mosquito diamonds and one new tee-ball/blast ball diamond. We’re also looking at reprogramming the one existing softball diamond, diamond #1, replacing it with a pee wee diamond.”
The total cost would be in the 975 thousand dollar range, but the idea would be to do it in four phases.
There is also a potential fifth a la carte phase.
“Phase 5 identifies the potential for batting cages, it identifies new washroom buildings, sports field lighting, additional grandstands, as well as a unique opportunity for artificial turf infields for the pee wee diamond.”
Arbuthnot noted that the artificial turf would be designed to allow for the extension of the season.
He said that could be implemented at any time.
The plan also includes potential changes to the slo-pitch diamonds at Ranger Park at Barlow Creek.
“We’ve identified a few different options which could include taller outfield fencing (it is shallow for adult Slopitch right now and this would prevent home runs), also upgrading field lighting to LED, some of that has already started but this would facilitate completion, as well as upgrading some of the bleacher seating and upgrading safety netting as well around the field areas.”
Council hasn’t yet committed to any of this.
This plan also has no impact on the Rotary little league diamond downtown at Lebourdais Park.