A report to council tonight outlines the next phase of work at Chatham-Kent’s newest recreational hub.
Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Rob Pollock says development at the St. Clair College Community Park on Bear Line includes a completed detailed design and procurement package.
Phase 2 of the plans will include: 10 pickleball courts with lights, two sport courts for 3-on-3 basketball with lights, a washroom facility, a maintenance building, accessible trails, and park amenities.
Pollock expects construction on phase 2 to start in late summer, with main construction completed by the end of the year. Though the report does address the fact that “work may be required in early 2026 to finish some aspects of Phase 2 and to ensure all components are commissioned appropriately.”
On May 29, 2023, council approved the donation of 19.5 acres of land from St. Clair College located along Bear Line Road. The terms of the donation were to allow the municipality to develop the land into a regional park.
Phase 3, which is expected to be the final phase of the project will include the construction of a cricket pitch, soccer/rugby field, fencing, bleachers, field lights, another washroom facility, and trails for the remainder of the park.
The report states that “there is currently capital funding of $1.5 million in 2026 and $500,000 in 2027 allocated to the project.” Administration will also seek grants and sponsorship for amenities throughout the park to help offset costs.
While there is an indoor tennis facility being built on the site, the report reveals that a structure for an indoor multi-use soccer facility will not be considered at this time. The report states that “the civil design would need to be changed along with the overall design of the park to ensure proper access to a new facility to meet fire access and other requirements.” Though “the opportunity for an indoor multi-use soccer facility may exist if some of the Phase 3 facilities are moved to potentially other sites.”