Council for the Municipality of Huron East approved the development of a youth ball diamond at the Seaforth Optimist Park this week, after the project had already started.
Seaforth Optimist Club president Bob Costello presented to council this week, saying there was a need for another diamond in town, as demand from both youth and adult leagues keeps going up.
The new diamond will be built on the existing dog park, cutting that space in half. The diamond will be about 120 feet to the foul poles and 135 feet to centre field.
Some work has already started, which staff said was a result of miscommunication when the club first brought the idea to the municipality.
CAO Jessica Rudy said regardless of the project already starting, council approval was still needed.
"It's in the lease agreement with the Optimist Club that any major projects get council approval, because it is municipal land," she told council members. "The Optimist does maintain it, they do all the work for it, but it is part of that large lease plan that any changes need council approval... similar to when the dog park was built, it was a council decision to allow that."
Costello said the diamond wouldn't have lights, and most of the work was being done pro bono, so fencing was the only major cost.
"Our biggest expense is going to be fencing... that cost is going to be $27,000," he told council. "Minor ball seems to be on board, we're going to have a fundraiser this fall at the Agriplex, and I guess I just need approval from you guys to carry on."
Council approved the development of the ball diamond, subject to final design, costing, and any other required approvals.
The existing dog park will still be 165 by 150 feet after the new diamond is built.
