The loss of city ball diamonds, and the potential loss of more, has the Peterborough Baseball Association urging supporters to show up en masse at a public meeting scheduled for later this month.
The association, which fields both rep and house league teams, is particularly fired up over the proposed redevelopment of Bonnerworth Park – a facelift that may see the two existing ball diamonds plowed under to make room for 16 pickleball courts, an expanded skate park and bike pump park. A public input meeting on the redevelopment plan is set for March 21st, 6:30 p.m., at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.
Association president Clayton Wade explains the potential loss of the Bonnerworth diamonds marks the continuation of a depletion of playing fields.
Wade says while a study indicated there are enough diamonds for all league users, he notes field requirements for baseball are different than those for softball and slo-pitch. The PBA, adds Wade, is not seeing anything close to a decline in registration numbers, which adds to the concern.
Wade says the association wants “a seat at the table” when decisions concerning ball diamonds are made, adding PBA push back isn’t against other groups looking for more park facilities.
For more information on the proposed redevelopment of Bonnerworth Park, and to fill out an online survey on its use, visit connectptbo.ca/bonnerworth-park.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
