HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-15-002 - Batting Cage Expansion-Breithaupt Centre
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: January 19, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director Community Programs and Services
519-741-2200 ext. 7687
PREPARED BY: Denise Keelan Manager of Aquatics and Athletics
519-741-2200 ext. 7420
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: December 19, 2014
REPORT NO.: CSD-15-002
SUBJECT:Batting Cage Expansion Breithaupt Centre
_____________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
That, subject to providing detailed specifications and a budget showing all
associated costs, Kitchener Minor Baseball Association (KMBA) be granted
permission to expand the existing batting cage located at the Breithaupt Centre;
and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with KMBA for
the installation and operation of the expanded batting cage, said agreement to be
satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
BACKGROUND:
KMBA is an affiliated sport group with the City of Kitchener. This club supports
programs for over 850 boys and girls ranging in age from five to eighteen years. They
operate largely out of the facility at Breithaupt Centre, where they use the three A1
diamonds located at this site. A single batting cage currently exists at this location and
is used considerably during the spring and summer baseball season.
REPORT:
KMBA approached city staff in the fall of 2014 requesting permission to expand the
existing batting cage adjacent to the Breithaupt Centre, using their own club financial
resources. They have experienced significant growth in participation for the past five
years. The expansion to the batting cage would include the addition of three lanes,
increasing capacity from four to twelve players who would be able to practice pitching,
catching and batting simultaneously. The dimensions of the potential expanded batting
cage are 45 feet X 80 feet. A batting cage consists of a specialized ground base
layering of gravel and turf, twelve feet high fencing encloses each of the sides, and the
1 - 1
lanes are separated with heavy netting. The plan is to also include lighting to expand
the use into evening hours.
Athletics and Parks staff has met with KMBA members to review a draft project proposal
with estimated costs. Staff have requested a detailed budget and project specifications
be submitted prior to proceeding with this project. Only upon confirmation that the
necessary funding is in place will the project be allowed to commence.
City staff supports the proposal, believing the expansion is a more efficient use of
space, while allowing more capacity for athletes to actively practice during scheduled
games and practices, furthering player development. KMBA is not asking for any
financial contribution from the City of Kitchener.
Conditions of the agreement between KMBA and City of Kitchener will address timing of
the work and installation, all insurance and safety certificates as required for
construction on city property, as well as the management of maintenance and
inspection issues. KMBA will be responsible for maintaining and on-going repairs to this
batting cage. A 3D rendering of the proposed complex is attached.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The expansion of the batting cage at the Breithaupt Centre, as outlined in this report,
aligns with two elements of the City of Kitchener’s Strategic Plan:
Leadership and Engagement:
Supporting the leadership and engagement of
partners who are investing in facilities and spaces, where youth can be involved
in sports activities.
Quality of Life:
Promoting and encouraging greater participation in activities that
improve health and wellness.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Estimated costs of the batting cage are approximately $85,000. No financial funding
has been requested from the City of Kitchener by KMBA. They are committed to
funding this project through fundraising, donations and sponsorship. The Kitchener
Sports Association has committed financial support as well as the Toronto Blue Jays
“Field of Dreams” program. An application for funding from the Toronto Blue Jays is
planned should this recommendation be approved. No work will be started until all
necessary funding has been secured.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
The Kitchener Minor Baseball Association is seeking partnerships for funding for this
expansion. The Neighborhood Association has been informed of this expansion and is
in support of this added recreational space. This report has been posted to the City’s
website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Michael May, Deputy CAO of Community Services
1 - 2
3D Rendering of Proposed Complex
1 - 3