By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Cobourg council voted Wednesday to provide a letter of support for the Northumberland Soccer Club’s plan of developing a multi-use fieldhouse on the Lions Fields, but a lot of question marks hang over the project.
Representatives set out the case for a full-size multi-sport indoor fieldhouse with artificial turf. It would be a four-season recreation hub to support multiple sports (rugby, cricket, lacrosse and field hockey in addition soccer) and reduce pressure on existing facilities. The estimated cost is $11.5-million.
They envision an 8,300-sq.-m. soccer pitch and a 9,000-sq.-m. air-supported dome attached to a 700-sq.-m. clubhouse with change rooms, administrative space and a walking track.
The representatives said their financial analysis indicates the dome can cover its operating costs, but they would have to rely on fundraising for capital costs.
Though the club is growing, its winter programming must take place in Baltimore – the only indoor-turf facility within a 31-minute drive. And that facility is undersized.
They face a Dec. 22 deadline to apply for the Community Sports and Recreation Infrastructure Funding grant, which may cover up to 50% of eligible costs. And one thing they need for the application is council endorsement of their preferred site – Lions Fields 1 and 2 adjacent to the Cobourg Community Centre.
Director of Community Services Lacricia Turner warned that operating costs for these domes may be more than planned. She knew an operator who got out of the business 25 years ago due to electricity costs of $25,000 to $30,000 a month.
Furthermore, that area is the subject of plans by the YMCA. And projects seem to be in the works by the Pickleball Club as well the skateboard community.
Councillor Miriam Mutton noted the concentration of recreation in a small area, and wondered if the parking now available at the CCC is adequate. Turner agreed that this is a concern.
The idea of concentrating recreation in a hub was once seen as a good move. Now, she said, that idea is being re-examined.
Parking had been at a premium that very day, Williams pointed out, with all the soccer fields in use and the Level Up! Trade show at the CCC. At the Cougars opener, with other activities going on in the centre, people had been forced to park as far away as Legion Fields – which had its own activities going.
Author: Cecilia Nasmith
