HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS-37-91 }C3 e r
TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
REPORT
■ )� , �, File #
t' )) ' �. � Res. #
`` ` r By-Law #
MEETING: COUNCIL
DATE: OCTOBER 15,1991
REPORT #: CS 37 51 FILE #:
SMELT: S
LETTER FROM JAMES POTTER, PRESIDENT
DARLINGTON YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE
CONCERNING THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OF SOCCER PITCHES
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that Council approve the following: -
1. That Report No. CS-37-91 be received for information.
1.0 BACKGROUND:
1. 1 Council at its June 20, 1991 meeting directed "That the
correspondence dated June 6, 1991 from James Potter, President
Darlington Youth Soccer League regarding the number and
quality of soccer pitches within the former Town of
Bowmanville be received and referred to the Director of
Community Services for response and report to the General
Purpose and Administration Committee" .
1. 2 In 1990 staff met with Mr. Sal Frisina, then President of the
Darlington Youth Soccer League on a similar concern.
Following a site meeting it was resolved that a mini soccer
pitch built at Mearns Park would fulfil their immediate needs.
The mini soccer field was subsequently provided by the Town.
. ./2
REPORT NO. CS-37-91 - 2 - OCTOBER 15, 1991
2.0 REPORT:
2 . 1 Staff met with Mr. Potter in mid July to discuss the concerns
raised in his letter. In brief it is the Department's
understanding that the three areas of concern are:
1) the lack of full sized soccer pitches in the
Bowmanville urban area.
2) the quality of some school soccer pitches and;
3) the lack of funds being spent on soccer facilities
in comparison to softball/baseball.
It was resolved that staff would attempt to address the
issues by reviewing with representatives of the
Darlington Youth Soccer League, all pitches which they
wished to discuss. Further, the Town would review its
park and school development plans through the subdivision
agreements to identify where soccer pitches are planned
for within the Bowmanville Urban area and where
opportunities may exist to provide pitches at an earlier
date.
2 . 2 During the past number of years the Community Services
Department has requested developers to provide ball diamond
facilities on Municipal park sites and design soccer
facilities on school board property. The purpose being that
baseball facilities are as a rule more elaborate and require
a larger expenditure which until the enactment of the new
Development Charges Act are provided by a developer, noting
that school board facilities are funded by the tax dollar.
2 . 3 Subsequently, with the passing of Bill 120 (Development
Charges Act) Council is aware that the responsibility for park
development will rest with the Municipality and be funded
through our Lot Levy Reserve. As a result, our rational for
park facilities will alter whereby both soccer and baseball
facilities will be considered on equal merit.
. . /3
REPORT NO. CS-37-91 - 3 - OCTOBER 15, 1991
2 . 4 The Town has in the past three years added to its soccer
facilities with 3 full size pitches (two at Darlington
Hydro Fields and one at Highland Park) and 5 smaller
fields (2 at Hobbs Public School, 1 at St. Francis of
Assisi Separate School, 1 at Emily Stowe Public School
and 1 at Darlington Hydro Field) however none of the
pitches are within the Bowmanville Urban Area.
2 . 5 A detailed list of our outlined actions and opportunities
was forwarded to Mr. Potter on August 18, 1991. No
further communication has been received. Staff believe
the groups concerns have been addressed to the groups
satisfaction.
2 . 6 In brief 7 soccer pitches were viewed with Mr. Potter and
Mr. Frisina at 4 schools where it was agreed that in co-
operation with the appropriate school boards an attempt
would be made to upgrade the fields and/or goal posts and
further the Town would in conjunction with the School
Board consider the possibility of creating a new soccer
field at the Bowmanville High School. Staff also
reviewed the subdivision applications within the
Bowmanville Urban Area and have identified a number of
opportunities where soccer pitches have been or could be
planned.
3.0 ADDITIONAL CONCERNS & COMMENTS:
3 . 1 Most recently an issue was raised at the October 7, 1991
General Purpose and Administration Meeting in which on
occasion several soccer teams have been scheduled to use
a given soccer pitch at the same time.
3 . 2 The Program/Community Relations Division of the Community
Services Department is responsible to permit all sports
fields under its jurisdiction. It accomplishes this task
. . /4
REPORT NO. CS-37-91 - 4 - OCTOBER 15, 1991
through negotiation with the various umbrella groups and
assigning blocks of time for various fields. It is the
umbrella group such as the Darlington Youth Soccer
League's responsibility to schedule individual teams use
of the fields.
Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation
to the Committee,
Josp h P. Caruana, Director Lawrenc:j . Kotseff
De rtment of Community Services Chief . inistrative Officer
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