New arenas on C-K’s horizon?

New rec master plan is in the works

By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Chatham-Kent’s upcoming parks and recreation master plan has some ambitious goals.

In a presentation to council recently, C-K’s manager of parks, recreation and cemeteries provided an overview of pending recommendations.

In his remarks, Ian Clark detailed some of the more “impactful” capital developments to be included in the plan.

“We’ve identified needs and service gaps across communities in Chatham-Kent,” Clark told council. “We’ve attempted to prioritize projects that will impact all corners of our communities.”

According to Clark, the direction Chatham-Kent takes on arenas will be among the most impactful, noting that after several years of declining use, there’s been a noticeable demand for ice time, with an estimated 10 pads required by 2035.

Replacing Chatham Memorial and Erickson Arenas with a multi-use recreation centre with two ice pads is on the table, he said. Part of the long-term strategy includes further co-location of ice-pads while maintaining a minimum of one ice pad in Wallaceburg, West Kent and Southeast Kent.

“Council will also be faced with multi-million-dollar decisions to maintain the status quo,” he said, noting expensive repairs will be needed in coming years.

Outdoor pools are also overserviced, Clark explained, noting the study found only four of C-K’s seven pools are needed, with the recommendation that Jaycee Pool, Walter Hawkins Pool and possibly a third be divested.

However, strong indoor pool demand exists. The municipality is looking to partner with the Chatham-Kent YMCA to meet the demand for now, Clarke said, but in the future a new multi-use facility could include an indoor pool.

Chatham-Kent’s last parks and recreation master plan was last updated 15 years ago. If approved, the new plan would cover the next decade.

Clark noted the new plan dovetails with other municipal polices, including new spending on its assets as well as divestments.

The master plan has been in the works for a year. A final public open house will be held Sept. 23 where more than 80 recommendations will be available for review and comment.

The drop-in session will be held at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre in meeting room 1A from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and receive comments.