Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Tel: 250-245-6400 Fax: 250-245-6411 Email: info@ladysmith.ca
The Town of Ladysmith and our community partners continue work to create a more accessible Forrest Field as part of a phased long-term approach for adding recreational amenities at the park.
The Lot 108 Park Plan adopted by Council in 2019 supports the building of a new baseball diamond/small soccer field, multi-use courts, a practice pitch, outdoor fitness stations, and bike skills park as well as a pump track on the vacant land around Forrest Field.
More recently at the park, Ladysmith service clubs - Ladysmith Kinsmen, Ladysmith Eagles, Ladysmith Rotary, Ladysmith Lions - together with Mid-Isle soccer, started the initial phase of a new walking path around the perimeter of the soccer pitch.
The project involves widening the pathway to 8 feet (currently 5 feet), improving accessibility particularly during points in time when an increased number of spectators are at the park.
Fundraising for this important project has been ongoing for several years and involved countless volunteer hours.
"Thank you to our Ladysmith service clubs and Mid-Isle Soccer for creating meaningful and lasting change at Forrest Field," said Mayor Aaron Stone. "The new walkway built by hardworking volunteers allows for greater accessibility and inclusivity at this well-utilized community park. Now spectators are never too far from the action on the field."
Implementation of the Lot 108 Park Plan is subject to new funding sources from senior levels of government. The Town continues to explore these potential grant opportunities for future phases.
Volunteers will also be applying for funding to complete the ongoing widening of the walking path.
"It has long been my opinion that making our community a better place to live only means we get to live in a better place. Having all the service groups, sports associations, local companies and volunteers come together to improve the Forrest Field complex shows what fantastic things can be accomplished by this community when we work together," said Ken Greig, Rotarian and Chair of the Forrest Field Stakeholders Committee. "The improvements will benefit all ages within Ladysmith and be an attraction to our community."
Over the coming weeks, the Town will complete an asphalt walkway leading from the new path built by volunteers to the public washroom facilities and parking lot.
The Town and volunteer team would like to thank the following individuals for their support in donating materials and labour to the project:
For the latest news and updates, visit the Town's website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also receive up-to-date information in your email inbox by subscribing to the Town's newsletter.