HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-12-068 - Centennial Stadium and Jack Couch UpdateREPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
May 28, 2012
SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services, 741-2325
PREPARED BY:
Kim Kugler, Director of Enterprise, 741-2544
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: May 23, 2012
REPORT NO.:
CSD-12-068
SUBJECT:
CENTENNIAL STADIUM AND JACK COUCH UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff be directed to budget the removal of the grandstand seating area from the
Centennial Stadium site as part of the 2013 capital budget process; and further,
That staff be directed to continue to work with user groups to determine the long term
needs and costing for Centennial Stadium components, other than the existing
grandstand and Jack Couch Ball Park,and what funding sources are available.
BACKGROUND:
Centennial Stadium and Jack Couch Park were constructed as the City’s Centennial project in
1967. The stadium is comprised of an eight lane rubberized track, field amenities for pole vault,
high jump and javelin, grass infield for soccer and football, and permanent tiered bleachers for
3,000 spectators. The facility also consists of change rooms, washrooms and concessions, and
a separate ball field with portable bleacher seating for 1,200.
In May 2011, public access to the grandstands and one portable at Centennial Stadium and a
second portable at Jack Couch Ball Park were closed to the public after facility audits were
conducted to evaluate the condition of the aging outdoor structures. The audit revealed
advanced corrosion of steel bearing connections which support the T-shaped pre-cast structural
sections that form the bleacher seating in the grandstand area. The advanced corrosion is a
result of ongoing water infiltration through caulked joints which have failed to waterproof the
structure. Based on the consultant’s findings, and in consultation with the Building Division, the
grandstand was deemed unsafe for structural reasons and subsequently closed for access
including public use. The rubberized track that was last repaired in 2007 was also showing
signs of deterioration causing the school boards to relocate their spring competitions to other
tracks in the community.
In spite of these issues the majority of the regular programming continued throughout the 2011
season and into the current 2012 season with the temporary relocation of power, field lighting,
and the use of portable washrooms and portable trailers.
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REPORT:
Centennial Stadium field continues to be programmed with soccer and football and Jack Couch
Ball Park continues to be programmed with baseball. Both fields have revenue sources and
there is a demand for them to remain in the City’s current inventory. To maintain these fields in
the City’s inventory the power was relocated permanently to allow for power supply to both the
stadium field and the ball park. The light fixtures from the stadium grandstand were removed to
eliminate a potential hazard and to assist with the lighting of the stadium field.
The two school boards who were the major users of the track have modified their programs and
relocated to tracks located at the community high schools and Wilfrid Laurier University. The
local Kitchener Waterloo Track and Field Association (KWTFA) that used Centennial Stadium
for its practices is trying to run their track program at St. David’s High School with some
assistance of City staff.
and
The grandstand seating has outlived its lifecycleremains closed. Its capacity for seating of
3,000 is greater than the programming needs. The majority of the events that require seating
usually draw 100 to 200 people. Portable bleachers could be rented for special events requiring
the additional seating. Repairing the current grandstand facility has been estimated in excess of
$1.2 million. Removal of the grandstand structure has been estimated at $200,000 plus
relocates and permits. Currently there is no funding strategy for the repair, replacement or
removal of the grandstand and direction is required to determine the approach to take.
The needs for the field users of Jack Couch Ball Park and Centennial Stadium are being met
today but a further review of the facilities is needed to determine the short term and long term
expenses that will be require funding in the next two years and the next 10 to 15 years.
Additional work needs to be completed to determine the long term community need, capacity
and funding for these facilities.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
This report aligns with Leadership and Community Engagement as user groups in track and
field and baseball were engaged in the discussion on the stadium and field. It also aligns with
Quality of Life, Finance Management and Asset Management.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Staff need to determine the components or the scope of work to be completed in 2013 so that
funding can be identified in the 2013 budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Staff have met and continue to meet with contacts representing the various user groups. Staff
continually connect with the City of Waterloo, the two school boards and the two universities to
review and discuss their future and current outdoor facilities plans.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Jeff Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services Department
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