Espanola council has endorsed a resolution to have a complete assessment done of the local ball fields.
The Corporate Services Committee had recommended to council that the recreation department proceed with obtaining an assessment of the Red McCarthy Memorial Baseball Fields with the project financed through the Parkland Reserve at a cost of $15,400.
The four fields are in use annually from May through October by various leagues.
With the increased use of the fields, several issues have been identified including the danger of balls being consistently hit into adjacent fields, pavilion or adjacent playground area, no shade covers for the dugouts, older structures such as dugout benches that need replacement and more.
The assessment will include identifying existing safety hazards and recommendations for a new layout, the installation of safety and accessibility features, as well as an estimated cost for consideration in the 2026 budget.
With council’s approval the firm MBTW Group will carry out the assessment with a report expected soon.
