A major new addition is being proposed for a Ladner park.
The City of Delta wrapped up consultation this week on a proposal by the Ladner Minor Baseball Association (LMBA) for a new indoor training facility at Cromie Park.
The facility is proposed to be situated at the southern edge of the park, between the existing baseball diamond and the current all-weather field, which is intended to be converted into a third diamond in 2023.
The project scope includes a 10,175-square-foot facility with a 9,000-square-foot turf surface, six retractable batting cages, two interior washrooms, a meeting room and storage area as well as landscaping of adjacent areas.
A recent letter to area residents notes the facility would have multiple turf-based sport uses in addition to baseball, such as soccer and softball.
The proposal, which still has to go to council for approval, would see Delta provide $150,000 in funding alongside $1.4 million contributed by the LMBA.
Under the 20-year deal, all buildings would be owned by Delta at the completion of construction.
A lease would be granted to LMBA who will be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the facility’s interior. The city would retain responsibility for maintenance of the facility’s exterior.
As far as the facility’s use, the LMBA would be responsible for booking the facility for use by other Delta-based sport and community groups.
The association would have the sole discretion to allocate and book the facility, while Delta would have access to any remaining hours that may be available at no cost to the city.
The LMBA would also be entitled to collect all revenue associated with its operation of the facility and Delta would retain revenues related to its use of the facility.
A new master plan in the works for Cromie Park includes, among other things, new baseball facilities, a relocated and enlarged parking lot, retention of the existing path connection to Ladner Elementary as well as general park improvements such as a community gathering space under the shade structure near the pickleball courts, seating and a small playground.
