Confederation Park revamp in works

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Posted with permission from the Hamilton Spectator
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August 12, 2016
Hamilton Spectator
By Molly Hayes


City councillors got their first look Thursday at the details of a $3-million plan to convert a former campground into a sports complex at Confederation Beach Park.

The complex will be one phase of a long-term $40-million master plan to enhance the under-utilized beachfront land — one that is envisioned to eventually include a central commercial village, improved trails and boardwalks, public art and other infrastructure improvements.

Construction is set to start next year on the sports complex — but if you're thinking basketball courts and football fields, think again; the plans include a seniors' cricket pitch and pickle ball courts.

"Pickle ball appeals to a broad range of ages," Lawrence Stasiuk, supervisor of the city's landscape architectural services, boasted in his presentation of the report to the public works committee Thursday, which included illustrated maps of the planned development.

Coun. Lloyd Ferguson asked if it would be possible to consider double-painting the courts so that they can also be used for the more familiar sport of tennis. Stasiuk said he would consult the design department.

Overall, councillors expressed excitement about the plan.

A 2013 consultants' feasibility study of the redevelopment plan said that, in its current state, the park — which is owned by the city but managed by the Hamilton Conservation Authority — "is a lost opportunity in that existing infrastructure does not function to its full potential to attract visitors to the park, or to generate sales in the park's commercial establishments."

On Thursday, Coun. Tom Jackson called the area a "jewel" and a "tremendous asset," and said he fully supports the proposed investment to boost its potential.

"Many of our citizens don't have the wherewithal to go to Muskoka … this is exactly, in my humble opinion, where the municipal tax dollar gets the greatest bang for its buck."

Coun. Chad Collins — whose ward includes much of the park — praised staff for their work, but questioned the planned location for the "central village," which is set back from the beach.

Collins expressed concern that private restaurateurs or other potential vendors will "want to see the water, the trails. Where this central village is located just doesn't make a lot of sense."

Stasiuk agreed this is something that can be looked at down the road.

Collins also highlighted the importance of factoring Wild Waterworks into the long-term plans.

There were 130,000 visitors to the water park last year, with more than 100,000 so far this year, which is on track to be a record, Stasiuk noted.

While $150,000 has been earmarked for a master plan study of the aging water park next year, none of the $40.76 million has been allocated to actually updating the park's infrastructure.

"Wild Waterworks is an old, aging facility … many of the components there are original to the park, and that is going to come with a price tag," Collins said.

"I want to make sure that's not lost in this whole conversation about what's happening at the park, because as you mention, the $40 million … the water park seems to have been over the years, forgotten."



mhayes@thespec.com

905-526-3214 | @mollyhayes

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6806015-confederation-park-revamp-in-works/






 

scotto

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Sports complex a winner for Confederation Beach Park

By Kevin Werner

Stoney Creek News
Aug 11, 2016
The Confederation Beach Park strategy to create a sports facility for the public scored with Hamilton politicians.

The first phase of what is a $40.7million in public funding in an implementation strategy over the next 20 years for the 93-hectare park involves $3 million to be spent next year creating a regulation cricket pitch, 12 pickleball courts, parking lot, administrative building, and washrooms.

The preliminary cost for the sports complex, which also includes a natural area, and soccer fields, is about $7 million, according to the Confederation Park Master Plan Review that was completed in 2011.

“This is really exciting,” said Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins. “There are sufficient funds to get us across the finish line.”

He said sports groups, especially Hamilton cricket clubs, have been “anxious” to have the new pitch built at Confederation Beach Park.

Collins said later the land where the former camp ground and where the sports complex will be located, has to be cleared of trees, and the infrastructure – hydro and servicing lines – need to be removed.

Other short-term projects under the Confederation Beach Park implementation strategy include spending $150,000 in a study to determine the future of the Wild Waterworks, relocating the current entrance of Confederation Beach Park to the North Service Road entrance and creating a “little squirt works” water play area for young users.

Collins said the Ministry of Transportation has been reviewing the traffic impacts of relocating the entrance of the park, but no answer has been received from the province yet. The Ministry is looking at the impact of traffic along the North Service Road, which can be an issue when the Queen Elizabeth Way is backed up due to traffic congestion.

More long-term ideas for Confederation Beach Park include $40 million in private investment concentrated in what consultants have called the Central Village –estimated to cost up to $10 million - with the idea of attracting businesses to establish restaurants or attractions that could be intertwined with the public investment projects.

Collins said the private investment is essential to help pay for improved services, such as water, sewers and other infrastructure. The city is currently looking at trying to find the $9.1 million for infrastructure upgrades.

An economic feasibility study found that Confederation Beach Park is an “undeveloped” asset, but it is “aging” and needs capital investment.

Lawrence Stasiuk, of the city’s landscape architectural services, said Wild Waterworks, needs to be updated for future use. The $40.7 million for redeveloping Confederation Beach Park does not included any costs associated for renovating Wild Waterworks, which is projected to break an attendance record this year, he said.

“This is a city asset,” said Collins. “But it’s an old, aging facility. We need to determine short and long-term strategies. They do come with a price tag.”

Last year the city completed 800 metres of a new 800-metre-trail around Stoney Creek Pond on the former campground after nearly a year of work. The trail connects to the main Lake Ontario Trail system.

In addition, councillors approved the new name for Confederation Park; introduced this January a new logo, which has a large light blue ‘C’, a lighthouse inside of it and wave at the bottom; new play equipment was installed at Beaches Grill in June; new signage is scheduled to be installed this fall, and secondary gate features will be constructed, also this fall.

Mountain councillor Tom Jackson said the vision for Confederation Beach Park is “exciting.” The only issue is the “unsightly” hydro lines that should be removed or relocated.

Collins said discussions have taken place about the 20-plus hydro towers along the property, but it will cost money to eliminate them.

The overall goal of the master plan, says Collins, is to create a year-round, multi-use facility within Confederation Beach Park. Other ideas for the park include creating winter activities such as ice skating.

http://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-story/6805719-sports-complex-a-winner-for-confederation-beach-park/
 

scotto

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Hamilton ready to take on all comers with a big league cricket pitch

Bay Observer Staff
February 11, 2018, 1:55 pm

In a country where hockey is king, and increasingly the main summertime youth sport activity is soccer, it’s easy to overlook the growing popularity of cricket in Canada. But in cities like Hamilton with large populations of arrivals from cricket hotbeds like India and Pakistan cricket is on the rise. In fact the sporting website Sportyghost ranks Cricket as number seven in popularity in Canada—ahead of Curling, tennis and golf. Currently there are about 450 schools playing cricket in the GTA and Hamilton. Burlington has a permanent cricket field at Central Park .Since 2008 Canada has hosted a number of cricket matches involving international cricket teams from India, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Little wonder then that the city is planning to construct a full sized cricket pitch as part of the redevelopment of Confederation Beach Park. Lawrence Stasiuk Supervisor Park Redevelopment Landscape, says Hamilton has been making do with small cricket pitches, that are only half the regulation size; but now there will be a full sized facility located at the eastern end of the park where there was a campground up until a few years ago. The cricket field will form part of a multi-use sports park that will also include 12 pickleball courts and a general use playing field that could accommodate soccer.

Later phases of the development will see construction of a field house with showers and a change room. The old campsite gatehouse will be converted to public restrooms. The initial phase of the project will cost $3 Million and be finished in 2019. The sports field development is part of a much larger $40 Million, 20-plus year master plan for the redevelopment of the entire four kilometer- long Confederation park.

http://bayobserver.ca/hamilton-ready-to-take-on-all-comers-with-a-big-league-cricket-pitch/
 

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scotto

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#4
Ball’s been pitched for new sports complex at Confederation Beach Park
Bidding in play for 1st phase of construction that includes cricket, multi-purpose fields, pickleball courts
March 25th, 2019 by Laura Lennie Stoney Creek News



A ball has been pitched for the new sports complex at Confederation Beach Park. Bidding is in play for the first phase of construction that includes a cricket field, multi-purpose field and pickleball courts. - City of Hamilton drawing

City officials say a ball has been thrown for the new sports complex at Confederation Beach Park.
Landscape architectural services supervisor Lawrence Stasiuk said bidding is underway for the first phase of construction for the project.
“The tender was released on March 14 and will close on April 5,” he said.
The city is building the sports facility at the east end of the park on the former campground site.
“The intent is that these facilities will be built and ready for use in May of 2020" — Lawrence Stasiuk
The first stage will include the construction of a regulation-sized cricket field, multi-purpose field, 12 pickleball courts, a driveway and half of a planned parking lot.
The approximate cost of the work is $3.5 million.
Stasiuk said he believes the tender will be awarded quickly.
The hope is to get the successful contractor on site by the end of April, he said.
“We see that the components we’re scheduling to be finished by the end of November, but because of weather and other factors, there may be some smaller works that carry over to the spring,” Stasiuk said, adding the construction will not encumber public use of the trail along the waterfront. “The intent is that these facilities will be built and ready for use in May of 2020.”
To make way for the sports park, the central building on the old campground site was demolished in 2017.
Hydro and servicing lines were also removed.
Some trees were cleared as well.
Stasiuk said the city is sorting out the details for the second phase.
It’s an “expensive phase” and includes the construction of a new field house and parks maintenance building and yard, as well as the renovation of an existing gatehouse, he said.
Stasiuk said it also involves the development of a natural-themed play area, the rest of the slotted parking lot and additional trails and walkways.
The sports complex is part of a long-term, more than $40-million master plan to enhance the underutilized 93-hectare beachfront land.
The hope is to eventually include a central commercial village, improved trails and boardwalks, more trees, public art and other infrastructure improvements.
Ward 5 Coun. Chad Collins could not be reached for comments by press deadline.
He has called the sports facility “exciting” in the past and said sports groups, especially Hamilton cricket clubs, have been “anxious” to have the new pitch built at Confederation Beach Park.

by Laura Lennie
Laura Lennie is a Reporter for Stoney Creek News. She can be reached at llennie@hamiltonnews.com.
Email: llennie@hamiltonnews.com

https://www.thespec.com/news-story/...w-sports-complex-at-confederation-beach-park/
 

scotto

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Ball’s rolling on new sports complex at Confederation Beach Park
City officials say the ball is rolling on the new sports complex at Confederation Beach Park.
June 18th, 2019 by Laura Lennie Stoney Creek News



The ball is in play for the new sports complex at Confederation Beach Park. The first phase of construction is underway for the project. - City of Hamilton drawing
City officials say the ball is rolling on the new sports complex at Confederation Beach Park.
Landscape architectural services supervisor Lawrence Stasiuk said the first phase of construction is underway for the project.
"The tender was awarded to Orin Contractors Corporation for $3,996,806 on April 18," he said, adding construction and other fencing are in place and digging work is expected to begin this week.
The city is building the sports facility at the east end of the park on the former campground site.
The first stage includes the development of a regulation-sized cricket field, a multi-purpose field, 12 pickleball courts, a driveway, half of a planned parking lot and site servicing.
Stasiuk said he doesn't know the contractor's schedule, but generally first steps would involve the setting up of surveying stakes, stripping of top soil and site servicing before the roughing in of the fields, courts and rest of the work.
The construction will not affect public use of the trails along the waterfront or lead to any lane closures in the area, but it could result in slower than usual traffic on the North Service Road, he said.
"The scheduled completion date is Nov. 30, 2019," Stasiuk said. "If we find that weather conditions didn't allow for some finish work, we will defer some work until the spring time. We're probably looking at these facilities being built and ready for use by the end of May 2020."
Stasiuk said the hope is to see the second phase of construction get off the ground next year.
It includes the development of a new field house and parks maintenance building and yard, as well as the renovation of an existing gatehouse, he said.

Stasiuk said it also involves the development of a natural-themed play area, the rest of the slotted parking lot and additional trails and walkways.

"Everything is all dependent on city council approving funding," he said. "It is our desire to move forward with building the field house and possibly the parks maintenance building next year — those are big ticket items. We will be putting in — through our facilities section — a request for funding for that, for consideration in the 2020 capital budget."

The sports complex is part of a long-term, more than $40-million master plan to enhance the underutilized 93-hectare beachfront land.

The hope is to eventually include a central commercial village, improved trails and boardwalks, more trees, public art and other infrastructure improvements.

Stasiuk said the sports facility has been a long time in the making.

"We've had to go through the whole design process and then the subsequent approvals before we could actually put a shovel in the ground," he said. "Everybody has been quite anxious for this. Everyone is very happy to see it finally coming to fruition."

by Laura Lennie
Laura Lennie is a Reporter for Stoney Creek News. She can be reached at llennie@hamiltonnews.com.
Email: llennie@hamiltonnews.com Facebook Twitter
 

scotto

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#7
Alterations coming to Stoney Creek’s North Service Road between Centennial Parkway, Drakes Drive
Project includes new entrance into Confederation Beach Park for new sports complex
Aug 02, 2019 by Laura Lennie Stoney Creek News

A makeover is en route to the North Service Road from Centennial Parkway to Drakes Drive.

The project is going out to tender later this year and will include road resurfacing and drainage improvements along the North Service Road throughout the stretch, as well as new traffic signal installation at Drakes.

It also will involve a new entrance from the North Service Road into Confederation Beach Park, with turn lanes to direct traffic to the new sports complex being built at the east end on the former campground site.

City public works department senior project manager Mike Becke said the work is expected to start in late spring of 2020.
“We’re still working out some of the details (around traffic management), but residents and motorists may experience some intermittent road closures while we safely complete this work,” he said. “We will of course communicate this information once it becomes available.”

Landscape architectural services supervisor Lawrence Stasiuk said the new entrance from the North Service Road into the park was identified in a 2010 master plan update for the site.

“It’s so people can go directly into the sports complex component rather than drive all the way in through the internal roadway system of the park,” he said. “It’s been in the works for a long time.”

The sports facility’s first phase of construction got underway in June.

That phase includes the development of a regulation-sized cricket field, a multi-purpose field, 12 pickleball courts, a driveway, half of a planned parking lot and site servicing.
Read whole article;
https://www.thespec.com/news-story/...road-between-centennial-parkway-drakes-drive/
 
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