We now have a better idea of what a proposed regional park in Chatham will look like.
Pending council approval Monday evening, plans will start moving ahead for the 20 acre park on Bear Line Road and McNaughton Avenue. That includes proposals for domed indoor tennis courts, 10 pickleball courts, a cricket pitch, an outdoor pitch primarily for rugby, two sports courts, a playground and open play area, and a recreational trail.
A report going to council stated Phase 1 of the project would be building and operating the domed tennis facility with site preparation expected to begin as early as Fall 2023 and tennis operations starting in 2024.
"Administration has negotiated an agreement with Tennis Clubs of Canada and its affiliate corporation 1000476522 Ontario Inc. for a lease to create an indoor tennis facility at the Regional Park. The tennis dome will be constructed and operated year-round by Tennis Clubs of Canada," wrote Chatham-Kent's Manager of Parks and Recreation Ian Clark.
Phase 1 is expected to cost the municipality up to $2.2 million.
The municipality would be responsible for building a parking area and any building(s) intended to be used as a clubhouse and/or washroom facilities at the tennis facility.
Subsequent phases will be determined through the phasing plan provided by the civil engineer, feedback from user groups, and available funding sources, according to the report.
"The landscape plan is a preliminary plan necessary for administration to develop the detailed site plan. Adoption of this plan will also permit administration to engage in further discussions with impacted user groups to finalize the scope of the specific facilities and timelines for implementation where fundraising is required," said Clark.
The lease agreement includes a twenty-year term with the ability to renew for a ten-year term thereafter, annual rent payment to the municipality, and a revenue-sharing arrangement between Tennis Clubs of Canada and the municipality for advertising at the dome.
The land was donated by St. Clair College.