Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/46524
GARRY OAKS park was introduced as Evans Park. The 7 named fields were dedicated and the new field house named for Bob McKinlay to honour his tireless charity work performed for local baseball. In order to help finance the project, originally budgeted at 4.2 million dollars, the federal government pledged a 1 million dollar grant to the District of North Cowichan. The money was donated as part of its Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RinC) Program a part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. On top of these funds North Cowichan contributed $1,299,557 and the City of Duncan raised an additional $699,784. The Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program is investing $500 million dollars in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period, $153 million of which will be invested across the four western provinces by Western Economic Diversification Canada. Prior to construction of the 12.284 hectare complex on the east side of Somenos Road city planners did extensive research of like facilities in the Pacific Northwest by visiting newer fields such as Lambrick and Layritz in Saanich BC, Joe Martin in Bellingham Washington, Serauxmen Park in Nanaimo BC and Townsend Park in Chilliwack BC. Once it was determined that the complex would be built, construction crews started converting the former hay field and farm into the facility we have today. Along with the fields is a Garry Oak Meadow, a caretaker's house as well as trails that allow the surrounding community to access the fields without needing to drive. THE ORIGINAL PLANS (SHOWN HERE) WERE REVISED TO SAVE GARRY OAKS AND ADD A CLUBHOUSE As can be expected when an agricultural area is to be removed in favour of some form of development the project did not progress without its share of environmental controversy. At the heart of the controversy was the proposed removal of two mature Garry Oak trees. Once it became apparent to the public that the trees were to be removed, Hilary Huntley of North Cowichan staged a well- publicized, 7 day sit in as she defiantly sat in one of the 400-800 year old Garry Oaks proving that the public were not going to allow the endangered trees to be removed without protest. Huntley's May 20- 26 protest was greatly supported by the public and ultimately led to the preservation of the two specimens of the endangered species of Oak. In order to accommodate the preservation of the trees the design of three of the ball fields were altered. Although design changes are common place in large developments such as Evans Park, it took some careful planning to ensure that one of the overall purposes of the fields, to host major tournaments, was not compromised. According to North Cowichan Mayor Tom Walker, "The option of reducing the length of three ball fields not only protects these trees, but also ensures the integrity of the ball fields. I would like to thank Rosemary Horgan, the Duncan Junior Baseball Executive and staff for working together over the weekend to resolve this issue." This alteration certainly proved to be a win-win situation as the trees were saved while allowing for the fields to be built according the new specifications. Much appreciation also goes out to Hilary Huntley for her perseverance in protecting the Garry Oaks from certain demise. OPENING DAY FESTIVITIES INCLUDED SOME BALL GAMES (PRESERVED GARRY OAKS SHOW CIRCLED) The maintenance program at Evans Park will be part of the duties of the North Cowichan Parks and Recreation Department under the guidance of Director Ernie Mansuetti. Maintenance operations include regular mowing, fertilizing, top dressing, aeration and slicing of the 70 percent perennial ryegrass, 30 per cent Kentucky bluegrass turf. Along with the turf management program Continued On Next Page FIELD HOUSE