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Sports Fields Strategy

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The City of St. Catharines wants your help planning how we revitalize and invest in our outdoor sports fields used for soccer, baseball, football, and other sports and activities. While we know that leagues use the sports fields for their programs, we know some residents use City sports fields for drop-in and spontaneous play. We want to hear from everyone who uses these spaces!

Note that this review does not include courts such as pickleball or tennis.

There are opportunities for you to become a part of the conversation. Here’s how you can get involved:

Public Review and Comment Period

The draft Sports Field Strategy is now available for review and comment. Please review the draft plan and leave your comments or ask questions using the tool at the bottom of this page and a team member will respond.

Public Information Centre

An open house was held on March 25, 2024, in the Kiwanis Aquatics Centre lobby for residents to learn more about the Strategy.


Written Comments

We welcome any written comments emailed to Ilyse Norton.

You can also drop off or mail comments to City Hall:

Attention: Ilyse Norton
Community Initiatives Specialist
Department of Community, Recreation and Culture Services
50 Church St., PO Box 3012
St. Catharines ON L2R 7C2

The City of St. Catharines wants your help planning how we revitalize and invest in our outdoor sports fields used for soccer, baseball, football, and other sports and activities. While we know that leagues use the sports fields for their programs, we know some residents use City sports fields for drop-in and spontaneous play. We want to hear from everyone who uses these spaces!

Note that this review does not include courts such as pickleball or tennis.

There are opportunities for you to become a part of the conversation. Here’s how you can get involved:

Public Review and Comment Period

The draft Sports Field Strategy is now available for review and comment. Please review the draft plan and leave your comments or ask questions using the tool at the bottom of this page and a team member will respond.

Public Information Centre

An open house was held on March 25, 2024, in the Kiwanis Aquatics Centre lobby for residents to learn more about the Strategy.


Written Comments

We welcome any written comments emailed to Ilyse Norton.

You can also drop off or mail comments to City Hall:

Attention: Ilyse Norton
Community Initiatives Specialist
Department of Community, Recreation and Culture Services
50 Church St., PO Box 3012
St. Catharines ON L2R 7C2

Comments / Questions

Please leave your comments or ask your questions here. A team member will get back to you with a response. 

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  • Share My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues. on Facebook Share My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues. on Twitter Share My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues. on Linkedin Email My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues. link

    My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues.

    Curtis asked 28 days ago

    Hello,

    Thank you for your interest in the Sports Fields Strategy.

    Your feedback regarding 'Type C' ball diamonds has been received. For 'Type A' ball diamonds, such as, Joe McCaffrey Park, it should be noted that time is required outside of actual game play for regular maintenance and game preparation.

  • Share My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues. on Facebook Share My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues. on Twitter Share My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues. on Linkedin Email My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues. link

    My comment pertains to the lack of type C ball diamonds in the city. As a result, particularly in the west end where there are few school diamonds, it is difficult for families and the community to access diamonds "for fun". For instance, I live within sight of McCaffrey Park but my 3 kids have never played on those fields. Once we tried and were asked to leave despite there being no rentals going on. The stats in the report bear this out: Weekend use rate at McCaffrey is less than 5%??!! Why not allow some public use on non-peak times? Similar to public skate times at the arenas for those who don't or can't afford to join leagues.

    Curtis asked 28 days ago

    Hello, 

    Thank you for your interest in the Sports Fields Strategy.

    Your feedback regarding 'Type C' ball diamonds has been received. For 'Type A' ball diamonds, such as Joe McCaffrey Park, it should be noted that time is required outside of actual game play for regular maintenance and game preparation.

    Thank you.

  • Share Ive been using the Lancaster facility for decades now and very little has been done in regards to providing hot water for our mens league games, the floors and bathroom are rarely clean and aside from slapping vinyl over the mold infested walls nothing has been done. I ask that employees have pride in upkeeping the change rooms daily, as we have people from out of town attend and use and its disgusting. the toilet area has a hug hole in front waiting for someone to break a leg the showers as mentioned never have hot water, (tank probably too small) and the showers drain always clogged and we stand in our own filth. on Facebook Share Ive been using the Lancaster facility for decades now and very little has been done in regards to providing hot water for our mens league games, the floors and bathroom are rarely clean and aside from slapping vinyl over the mold infested walls nothing has been done. I ask that employees have pride in upkeeping the change rooms daily, as we have people from out of town attend and use and its disgusting. the toilet area has a hug hole in front waiting for someone to break a leg the showers as mentioned never have hot water, (tank probably too small) and the showers drain always clogged and we stand in our own filth. on Twitter Share Ive been using the Lancaster facility for decades now and very little has been done in regards to providing hot water for our mens league games, the floors and bathroom are rarely clean and aside from slapping vinyl over the mold infested walls nothing has been done. I ask that employees have pride in upkeeping the change rooms daily, as we have people from out of town attend and use and its disgusting. the toilet area has a hug hole in front waiting for someone to break a leg the showers as mentioned never have hot water, (tank probably too small) and the showers drain always clogged and we stand in our own filth. on Linkedin Email Ive been using the Lancaster facility for decades now and very little has been done in regards to providing hot water for our mens league games, the floors and bathroom are rarely clean and aside from slapping vinyl over the mold infested walls nothing has been done. I ask that employees have pride in upkeeping the change rooms daily, as we have people from out of town attend and use and its disgusting. the toilet area has a hug hole in front waiting for someone to break a leg the showers as mentioned never have hot water, (tank probably too small) and the showers drain always clogged and we stand in our own filth. link

    Ive been using the Lancaster facility for decades now and very little has been done in regards to providing hot water for our mens league games, the floors and bathroom are rarely clean and aside from slapping vinyl over the mold infested walls nothing has been done. I ask that employees have pride in upkeeping the change rooms daily, as we have people from out of town attend and use and its disgusting. the toilet area has a hug hole in front waiting for someone to break a leg the showers as mentioned never have hot water, (tank probably too small) and the showers drain always clogged and we stand in our own filth.

    Joe Del Priore asked 25 days ago

    Hello, 

    Thank you for your interest in the Sports Field Strategy.

    Funding for new changerooms at Lancaster Park has been included in the 2024-2025 Capital Budgets and staff are currently working with a third-party consultant for engineered designs. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.

    Thank you.

  • Share The soccer fields need to be better maintained, as they do with baseball diamonds baseball has far less running on the grass, yet they are immaculate the soccer fields have so many divots especially after heavy rain fall and are never rolled again. We have had many suffer injuries during games because the grass and divots arent flattened and better maintained. on Facebook Share The soccer fields need to be better maintained, as they do with baseball diamonds baseball has far less running on the grass, yet they are immaculate the soccer fields have so many divots especially after heavy rain fall and are never rolled again. We have had many suffer injuries during games because the grass and divots arent flattened and better maintained. on Twitter Share The soccer fields need to be better maintained, as they do with baseball diamonds baseball has far less running on the grass, yet they are immaculate the soccer fields have so many divots especially after heavy rain fall and are never rolled again. We have had many suffer injuries during games because the grass and divots arent flattened and better maintained. on Linkedin Email The soccer fields need to be better maintained, as they do with baseball diamonds baseball has far less running on the grass, yet they are immaculate the soccer fields have so many divots especially after heavy rain fall and are never rolled again. We have had many suffer injuries during games because the grass and divots arent flattened and better maintained. link

    The soccer fields need to be better maintained, as they do with baseball diamonds baseball has far less running on the grass, yet they are immaculate the soccer fields have so many divots especially after heavy rain fall and are never rolled again. We have had many suffer injuries during games because the grass and divots arent flattened and better maintained.

    Joe Del Priore asked 25 days ago

    Hello, 

    Thank you for your interest in the Sports Fields Strategy!

    Your feedback regarding soccer field maintenance has been received.

    Thank you.

  • Share Hi There, There is very limited parking at George Taylor Field. The limited parking that is available is in a danger zone for vehicles being hit by foul balls. So most players & spectators have to scramble to find on street parking in the neighbourhood. In the past, there was ample parking next to the former highschool. Was this reviewed as part of the sports field strategy? The lack of parking makes it difficult to host events where more than a handful of spectators are expected. Thank you, Frank on Facebook Share Hi There, There is very limited parking at George Taylor Field. The limited parking that is available is in a danger zone for vehicles being hit by foul balls. So most players & spectators have to scramble to find on street parking in the neighbourhood. In the past, there was ample parking next to the former highschool. Was this reviewed as part of the sports field strategy? The lack of parking makes it difficult to host events where more than a handful of spectators are expected. Thank you, Frank on Twitter Share Hi There, There is very limited parking at George Taylor Field. The limited parking that is available is in a danger zone for vehicles being hit by foul balls. So most players & spectators have to scramble to find on street parking in the neighbourhood. In the past, there was ample parking next to the former highschool. Was this reviewed as part of the sports field strategy? The lack of parking makes it difficult to host events where more than a handful of spectators are expected. Thank you, Frank on Linkedin Email Hi There, There is very limited parking at George Taylor Field. The limited parking that is available is in a danger zone for vehicles being hit by foul balls. So most players & spectators have to scramble to find on street parking in the neighbourhood. In the past, there was ample parking next to the former highschool. Was this reviewed as part of the sports field strategy? The lack of parking makes it difficult to host events where more than a handful of spectators are expected. Thank you, Frank link

    Hi There, There is very limited parking at George Taylor Field. The limited parking that is available is in a danger zone for vehicles being hit by foul balls. So most players & spectators have to scramble to find on street parking in the neighbourhood. In the past, there was ample parking next to the former highschool. Was this reviewed as part of the sports field strategy? The lack of parking makes it difficult to host events where more than a handful of spectators are expected. Thank you, Frank

    nobody asked 23 days ago

    Hello, thank you for your question and your interest in the Sports Fields Strategy.

     Please be assured that the community’s feedback regarding the George Taylor Baseball Field parking situation has been received by the Mayor’s Office and the City’s Senior Leadership Team. Our dedicated team has been collaborating with the owners of the former Merritton High School property to effectively address the parking challenges in the area. These discussions are ongoing. Your patience and understanding during this process are greatly appreciated as the City works to find a solution. 

  • Share My question is more related to public funds being used for sports facilities which I am in favour of 100%; however, when public funds are used should the facilities not be accessible to all community members? Public school (I know this is provincial) tracks and the NOC track are not accessible despite being publicly funded. Please advise. These facilities should serve the public and foster an atmosphere of health and fitness, but they are exclusive to certain members of the public. on Facebook Share My question is more related to public funds being used for sports facilities which I am in favour of 100%; however, when public funds are used should the facilities not be accessible to all community members? Public school (I know this is provincial) tracks and the NOC track are not accessible despite being publicly funded. Please advise. These facilities should serve the public and foster an atmosphere of health and fitness, but they are exclusive to certain members of the public. on Twitter Share My question is more related to public funds being used for sports facilities which I am in favour of 100%; however, when public funds are used should the facilities not be accessible to all community members? Public school (I know this is provincial) tracks and the NOC track are not accessible despite being publicly funded. Please advise. These facilities should serve the public and foster an atmosphere of health and fitness, but they are exclusive to certain members of the public. on Linkedin Email My question is more related to public funds being used for sports facilities which I am in favour of 100%; however, when public funds are used should the facilities not be accessible to all community members? Public school (I know this is provincial) tracks and the NOC track are not accessible despite being publicly funded. Please advise. These facilities should serve the public and foster an atmosphere of health and fitness, but they are exclusive to certain members of the public. link

    My question is more related to public funds being used for sports facilities which I am in favour of 100%; however, when public funds are used should the facilities not be accessible to all community members? Public school (I know this is provincial) tracks and the NOC track are not accessible despite being publicly funded. Please advise. These facilities should serve the public and foster an atmosphere of health and fitness, but they are exclusive to certain members of the public.

    PaulFelton asked 29 days ago

    Hello,

    Thank you for your question and your interest in the Sports Field Strategy.

    The track at West Park, which is operated by the Niagara Olympic Club (NOC) is open and accessible to the public. Community members have full access to the facility outside of club training hours and competition bookings. You can find these hours of operation on the NOC website.

    Availability of public school’s tracks is best directed to the DSBN.

  • Share Has there been any thought put into doing a some or building with indoor soccer turf similar to Niagara Falls or Wellend? on Facebook Share Has there been any thought put into doing a some or building with indoor soccer turf similar to Niagara Falls or Wellend? on Twitter Share Has there been any thought put into doing a some or building with indoor soccer turf similar to Niagara Falls or Wellend? on Linkedin Email Has there been any thought put into doing a some or building with indoor soccer turf similar to Niagara Falls or Wellend? link

    Has there been any thought put into doing a some or building with indoor soccer turf similar to Niagara Falls or Wellend?

    Katarina Chataway asked 30 days ago

    Hello, 

    Thank you for your question and your interest in the Sports Field Strategy.

    The City of St. Catharines is always exploring partnership opportunities to enhance recreational facilities and have explored doming opportunities previously. The draft Sports Field Strategy’s strategic focus is on existing infrastructure through upgrades to sports fields and improving existing amenities such as fields, washrooms, shade structures, and lighting to extend field usage and improve the user experience. 

    If doming partnership opportunities present themselves in the future, staff will continue to explore the feasibility.

  • Share Does discgolf fit into this strategy? on Facebook Share Does discgolf fit into this strategy? on Twitter Share Does discgolf fit into this strategy? on Linkedin Email Does discgolf fit into this strategy? link

    Does discgolf fit into this strategy?

    Jderzak asked 30 days ago

    Hello,

    Thank you for your question!

    The Sports Field Strategy does not include disc golf.

    The City has hired the services of a third-party consultant to update the Recreation Facility & Programming Master Plan (RFPMP) which is the City’s guiding strategic document for recreation. A key deliverable of the updated RFPMP is to review the current and future needs and opportunities for disc golf courses in the City.

    Please visit https://www.engagestc.ca/ for updates related to the RFPMP including opportunities for feedback and discussion. 

Page last updated: 22 Oct 2024, 10:01 AM