diamond has a full evening of prime time available. For the most part, the diamonds are being used by the appropriate age groups. Annandale junior hardball diamond #3, however, comprises all adult use. Sam Lamb adult hardball diamond and Annandale junior softball diamond #5 are used largely by minor and adult groups, respectively. Collectively, the diamonds provide eight weekend days for scheduling regular seasonal or tournament use of which four days are unscheduled (Annandale #2, 3# and #4). Two ball diamonds user groups responded to the survey: Tillsonburg Minor Baseball and Tillsonburg Men’s Slo-pitch League. The Old Sox Hardball League was interviewed upon request. Collectively, these groups comprise over 800 participants and use all of the diamonds in Town. For the most part, the responses of Minor Baseball and Men’s Slo-pitch, and interviews with Town staff and Council confirm use data that existing diamonds are essentially at capacity, and that additional use is restricted by several factors: • a full schedule does not allow time to reschedule rainouts • rain prevents the use of Kiwanis, Sam Lamb and Optimist #2 for at least 24 hours, as the infields do not drain well • lack of lit diamonds prevents late night play, which limits use to one game per evening on all unlit fields
• only one diamond is available on Sundays but is often used for tournaments, which prevents regular league use Other generally noted deficiencies included lacks support facilities/amenities, lack of storage, aging/out of date infrastructure, too small/not regulation size (Optimist diamonds). It was noted that the reconstructed Hardball #1 infield at Memorial Park is now the best of all the infields. Outfield improvements and adding lights to the diamond were noted as important to extending the use of this field. Minor Baseball and Men’s Slo-pitch anticipate growth and the need for additional access to diamonds in the future. Men’s Slo-pitch is also interested in developing a Co-ed league. The Old Sox uses Sam Lamb and Hardball #1 at Memorial Park. They noted the diamonds are in good condition, and are well used for regular season and tournament activity, which brings visiting teams to Town. The Sox are interested in working with the Town to construct an amenities building to include washrooms, changerooms, and a canteen, which is particularly important to all-day tournaments held at the park. The Sox indicated that a concept plan for the building has been prepared and that the league can contribute to its construction. This proposal aligns with the Memorial Park Master Plan recommendation for an amenity building (referenced as a field house) to include change rooms, offices, washrooms, storage, and a concession stand. The Plan positions it to serve both Sam Lamb
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Town of Tillsonburg | DRAFT Parks and Recreation Master Plan
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