Burks Falls is asking contractors to step up to bat to help revitalize its local ball diamond.
Last May, the Toronto Blue Jays awarded the village $50,000 under its Field of Dreams program. The funds will go toward extensive improvements to Knights Brothers Park including repairing and replacing sections of fencing that are collapsing and upgrading the aging dugouts. New benches and bleachers will also be purchased. Upgrades are also needed to the infield and outfield to make them safer for the kids to play on.
The cost of the project is estimated at $76,000, and the municipality has approved the use of $22,000 – $25,000 of its reserve funds to augment the funding from the grant. That money will be replenished by the sale of advertising on the boards in the outfield. In June, council issued a call for tenders, but did not receive a response and contractors who were contacted directly were unavailable.
Councillor Ryan Baptiste secured the grant from the Blue Jays organization and coaches the Burk’s Falls Boltz in the Almaguin Softball League. With the July 26th deadline for tenders looming, he’s concerned about how the project will move forward.
“It would be a shame to see this tremendous opportunity pass us by,” Baptiste said in a statement to 705BLACKFLY.COM. “Baseball is growing in Burk’s Falls and throughout the Almaguin Highlands and has been steadily since the pandemic. We have close to 90 kids registered for our t-ball and softball programs in The Village alone. I would love for it to continue to grow. This opportunity from the Field of Dreams program that is run by the Blue Jays is a great opportunity for us to do just that.”
Of course, at the heart of this project is providing a space where kids can play, and where families can make great memories. One young player named Chase said that getting the work done would give more kids the opportunity to participate in sports.
“The renovation is important because baseball has become a big part of Burks Falls and it just keeps growing,” said Chase. “If we could have two diamonds more kids could join as we would have more space to learn. Sports are a big part of my life and others on the team, an upgraded field would give other kids so much more opportunity. A new field could bring more to our town by making adult leagues and hosting more tournaments throughout the summer months.”
Volunteers from several community groups will be participating in doing the work needed. However, the village must secure tenders for the fencing and landscaping by July 26th, 2024. If you can help, please contact:
Denis Duguay
CAO-Clerk
705.382.3138 ext 226
clerk@burksfalls.ca
Camille Barr, Senior Administrative Assistant
705.382.3138 ext 224
ahhc@burksfalls.ca
