Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/46524
LYNNE YELICH, FEDERAL MINISTER FOR WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION the dirt infields will require regular grooming to allow for a uniform playing surface. In order to maintain the fields in top condition throughout the dry months a state of the art Rain Bird irrigation system was installed. The system includes moisture sensors as well as a central control system with the option to insert data provided by Environment Canada. When asked what lessons were learned from the venture, Mansuetti suggested that anyone planning to tackle this type of project be sure that the irrigation system around the home plates be designed in a manner that can sufficiently water narrow long strips of turf without flooding the infield mix. Mansuetti also suggests completing the fencing for the project early on and certainly not during the winter months. Although the winter months in Cowichan are usually without snow they are certainly not without rain. When asked about the process of getting the fields built Mansuetti commented that "a key component for this project was that our Mayor and Council showed vision and leadership in their desire to provide In attendance for the grand opening were the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and North Cowichan Mayor, the Honourable Tom Walker. Said Yelich of the achievement, "I am delighted to offer my congratulations for the completion of the Somenos Sportsfields- a project that is truly a testament to what can be achieved with patience and hard work. Our government's investment in better recreational facilities is helping to stimulate the local economy, enhance local facilities and services and contribute to the health and quality of life of residents in the Cowichan Valley. Our government is working hard for all Canadians and while we are starting to see signs of economic recovery in Canada, we need to press ahead and continue the community with a first class facility. Council also believed that to attract regional, provincial, national and international tournaments that the original design would need to be enhanced. This included better drainage for playability in inclement weather, upgraded fencing heights and colour as well as meeting and/or exceeding Canadian and International softball and baseball standards." Mansuetti was also quick to thank industry experts for their willingness to share information and advice in getting the fields constructed. The construction of the Bob McKinlay Fieldhouse and an indoor batting cage came about in a partnership between the District of North Cowichan and Vancouver Island University (VIU). Carpentry students from VIU have been commissioned to build the field house and batting cage. Mayor Walker said, "this project will benefit both parties- VIU students will gain practical carpentry experience under the supervision of VIU instructors and Municipal Building Inspectors and the community will gain a quality- constructed field house and batting facility well below market value." This type of project fits in perfectly the second phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan. Projects such as this one not only create jobs in our communities, but they also pave the way for Canada's future growth and prosperity." Mayor Tom Walker added, "These ball fields are another first class facility for our community. The one million dollar grant we received from the federal government allowed us to augment the original design of the ball fields to include better playability in inclement weather, upgraded fencing and a design that meets international and Canadian baseball and softball standards to attract , regional, provincial, national and international tournaments. The commitment of the federal government to improve infrastructure and promote healthy and active lifestyles for our citizens is to be applauded." with the mandate of VIU allowing students to gain experience in every phase of construction including forming and placement of foundations, framing, roof truss erection, and sheathing, window and passage door installation. North Cowichan donated $11,000 towards the construction and materials with all remaining electrical, heating and plumbing work sub- contracted. Prior to the summer 2011 opening of Evans Park the ball playing community in North Cowichan was restricted to playing at the Chesterfield Sports complex and Pioneer Park . Pioneer Park was the home to seven ball fields but was located in downtown Duncan and was no longer capable of performing the function required of a first class ball facility. Due to size and expansion restrictions as well as drainage issues the old fields located near the Island Savings Center had become obsolete. Limited parking was also becoming a problem at Pioneer Park. For years Pioneer Park shared its land with the Cowichan Exhibition Fairgrounds which was moved north along the Trans-Canada Highway. It had also been determined that the location of Pioneer Park would be the ideal setting for the recently opened 30 million dollar Vancouver Island University Cowichan Campus as well as the future location of a new Cowichan High School. In order to facilitate the construction of the new VIU campus (Cowichan Place) the municipality needed to move the fairgrounds and Pioneer Park to a new venue. The ideal location for the new ball fields was Evans Park and allowed the District to upgrade the diamonds to the first class fields that are now in place. Although the park is still in its infancy all evidence point towards a successful project as the District has received many positive comments. First time visitors to the fields next year will surely be impressed. The naming of Evans Park was an easy choice as the ball fields are located on what used to be the Evans farm which occupied 100 acres along Somenos Road. Ironically the location of Pioneer Park was also on former Evans real estate that had been donated to the district by the family. The Evans family were among the earliest of European settlers in Cowichan in 1862. Not only does Evans Park and its surrounding trails benefit the sporting community of the Cowichan area but Mount Prevost Middle School which is situated in close proximity to the fields is able to take advantage of the recent development. During the first week of October, Mount Prevost hosted a cross country running competition that was entirely run on the new fields and trails. As Evans Park prepares to enter its first winter season the constituents of North Cowichan are feeling quite fortunate that they have a new sports facility that is sure to be the envy of nearby communities. One look at the new fields and it is apparent that an excellent job has been done in the construction of the entire facility that will be enjoyed by residents and sporting visitors to the Cowichan Valley for years to come. For further information on the fields visit www.northcowichan.bc.ca About The Writer: Rick Munro is the principal of GREENSIDE Environmental Services and publisher of the website www.fromthegreenside.com. He will also be the new consulting editor for Inside Golf Inc. in their role as publisher of The Turf Line News.