nelson stadium user group december 9, 2015 · the track at nelson can be flipped 180 and pushed out...

Nelson Stadium User Group December 9, 2015

Proposal for Nelson Stadium Revitalization

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I. SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 3

II. OUR USER GROUPS- COMMITTEE ........................................................................................ 4

III. ABOUT NELSON STADIUM AND ITS USERS ........................................................................... 5

IV. NEEDS/PROBLEMS/SOLUTIONS............................................................................................. 5

V. TIMETABLE .............................................................................................................................. 10

VII. BUDGET .................................................................................................................................. 13

IX. NEXT STEPS ............................................................................................................................. 14

X. APPENDIX- NOT PRINTED – ON USB KEY ........................................................................... 15

A. ENDORSEMENTS ................................................................................................................... 15

B. USER SURVEYS .............................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

C. CONSTRUCTION COST GUIDE 2014 .................................................................................. 15

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I. Summary Vision:

For Nelson stadium to be a top class amateur sports facility for the user groups, residents and students of Burlington, with the ability to host a broad range of local, district, provincial and even national events.

Crucial to realizing this objective, is the completion of a well-conceived long-term masterplan of upgrading and adding to the supporting facilities.

Overview:

This group has existed with different membership since the late 1990’s. In late 2009 many of the current members re-formed the group to interact with the City of Burlington and the Halton District School Board on upgrades to the playing surface. In the summer of 2011 in a joint partnership facilitated by key members of the group an artificial surface was installed at Nelson Stadium.

In 2013, this group expanded to include representation from all major user groups. With the purpose of determining the needs, costs, upgrades and improvements required for the stadium, its facilities and surrounding areas, which will turn Nelson Stadium into a World Class Sports Facility as well as the only available facilities for the current user groups without having to go to other cities.

We believe strongly that the City of Burlington, HDSB and its residents deserve stadium/facilities, which we can both be proud of and utilize to host its current and major events.

These events will bring many visitors and tourism dollars into the local economy helping local businesses. A proper/premier outdoor stadium is desperately needed in this city!

Our findings:

The majority of upgrades and new facilities in Burlington have been north of the QEW. Very little has been done south of the QEW for some time.

Sadly none of these new “state of the art” facilities are able to service these user groups.

After much discussion with all of the Stadium’s user groups, surveys (see appendix), it has been determined there are several areas in need of immediate attention. Each user group has been a part of the decision making process and offers resources toward the project wherever possible.

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II. Our User Groups- Committee CHAIR – JANEEN STODULSKI (BURLINGTON MINOR FOOTBALL) CO-CHAIR – JEFF BROCK (NELSON TE ACHER) BEN LYMAN (COGECO) BOB STACEY (RETIRED HDSBTEACHER–NELSON HS ALUMNI FUNDRAISING) BOYD MONTGOMERY (DEVELOPMENT ARCHITECT - CARR DESIGN) BRAD SCOTT (COGECOTV PRODUCTIONS) BRIAN VANDEWEERD(COMMUNITY MEMBER) CHRIS ZADOW (COMMUNITY) DAVID GAGNER (PRESIDENT - BURLINGTON MINOR FOOTBALL) KAREN HARTMAN (NELSON HS PRINCIPAL & COMMUNITY MEMBER) MIHAIL MARKOVIC(PRESIDENT BURLINGTON PROFESSIONAL SOCCER CLUB) RANDY HOFFNER (COACH, COMMUNITY, ALUMNI- CONSTRUCTION COST) RICK LITTLE (GOLDEN HORSESHOEMEN’ STOUCH FOOTBALL) ROBERT BARNES (PRESIDENT - BURLINGTON TRACK & FIELD CLUB) SCOTT HOPKINS (BURLINGTON TRACK & FIELD CLUB) SCOTT ROBINSON (BURLINGTON BANDITS PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL) SCOTT TOMLINSON (BURLINGTON YOUTH SOCCER CLUB REPRESENTATIVE)

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III. About Nelson Stadium and its Users Nelson Stadium’s track and multipurpose sports fields are located at the west end of Nelson Park, off Belvenia Street and is the first general gateway into a sport corridor. Adjacent to the stadium one can stroll past baseball parks, an outdoor pool, an indoor ice rink, soccer pitches, BMX Park and tennis courts. All linked by walkways and bike paths across bridges and streams: A gem of a sport corridor in the City of Burlington.

It is interesting to point out that of all sport fields and tracks in Burlington, Nelson High School Board of Education and the City of Burlington have over the years shared responsibilities and land use at the west end of Nelson Park, on property referred to as Nelson Stadium. It is home to:

• Nelson High School Students – Multiple sports • Friday Night Lights football for ALL Schools in Halton • Halton Region Elementary Track and Field Events • Burlington Track & Field Club – 40 years (Always at Nelson) • Burlington Minor Football – 1400 players 50 plus Years (Always at Nelson)

JV Agreement on Equipment room, (month to month since 2011) o Burlington Braves Football

JV Agreement on Club House, (Month to Month since 2011 o Stampeders- Summer and Fall Rep Tackle Football o House League- Fall Tackle Football o Flag Football

• Burlington Bandits Baseball-97 years of Burlington baseball o Bandits also host 7-8 week summer baseball camps in partnership with BOMBA o Hosted Provincial Junior Championship in 2014

• The Brants Baseball • BOMBA - 1200 players • Vintage Baseball League • Burlington Youth Soccer • Burlington Pro Soccer – Since 2013 • Golden Horseshoe Men’s Touch Football

IV. Needs/Problems/Solutions The stadium, while referenced as such, is heavily used and dated with the majority of its buildings reaching their 50th birthday in 2017. Nelson in its current condition, is a bit of a stretch to call it a stadium; its track and ancillary support for the facility (and adjoining sport fields) and west entrance sport corridor is in dire need of consideration for upgrade / replacement if not full redevelopment.

Although the area has been in development since 1957 or earlier as the school was built in a field north of New Street and east of Belvenia. If one was to look today at Corpus Christies catholic school and sport facility it would look similar with fields in the back yard. However this is the 21st century and the city continues to grow around our schools and parks and there are considerations and needs for all. Nelson stadium is in need of a “facelift”/rehabilitation for Burlington’s growing community and sport interests. Efficient lighting upgrades in the stadium have taken place and are now more directly focused on the field while reducing light diffusion into the surrounding community. However, now the “Braves practice field and Tyke field” require updated lighting as it is no longer viable to use these fields with current lighting conditions. With new lighting, electrical has been run to some areas which should be noted. If the track can be rotated 180 the new finish line should be equipped with 110v service. At the very least an empty 2 ½” conduit should be buried under the finish line to power photo timing equipment from the infield. With the advent of photo timing technology, competent timers can wire or wirelessly send results to a press box or scoreboard, so equipped to handle the data.

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With respect to the existing track it needs to be pointed out that there are few complete track facilities in the immediate area. There is nothing in Halton region except bare bone running tracks that surround multipurpose fields at many area schools. Nelsons Stadium is the only near complete competitive venue in Halton Region. While heavily used for the needs of grade school competition where events are scaled down it is inadequate for high school or provincial athletics.

With respect to events and seating capacity, whether it be Friday night lights football ,or any large inter-school or otherwise event, or finals, provincial or national events, the stands capacity is insufficient to safely hold the volume of spectators, in addition to it make security very difficult. In 2009 when the Burlington Braves hosted the National CJFL Championship, additional bleachers were brought in to handle the seating.

Two of the most recent examples of Nelson Stadium Seating Issues:

1. When Nelson played assumptions, the crowds swelled well out of the stands and having so many people roaming the field area caused many safety and security issues.

2. The Halton region football championships were just recently held and due to size and requirements to film, change room needs, etc.; It had to be hosted in Hamilton at McMaster University. It is odd to think parents paid $20.00 per car parking as well as the fee, the school boards paid to Hamilton to Host a Halton event.

The Parking lot is perhaps the largest most under used, mismanaged asset on the property. It is never full to capacity; no one parks until the 3rd or 4th row due to potential baseball damage. Parking can be more efficient and designed to minimize sound, noise and dust. Removal of the cement barriers and pairing of lines, would allow for easier snow ploughing, varied surface use, easier maintenance and upkeep, While paving produces a heat island affect and impacts natural ground infiltration there are alternatives that should be researched. Access to the stadium should be reviewed for the safety and the protection of the facility. It is assumed general public and non-school users access from the north on weekends and after hours. Nelson high school has day use from the onsite parking area via walkway on the south. We suspect the track proper will have to remain in the confines of the existing (2015) fence. Its footprint remains unchanged since the below picture was taken.

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The track at Nelson can be flipped 180 and pushed out to 8 lanes. The IAAF has specifications for track and field designs for different competition `classifications, construction categories, location, safety, and ancillary rooms. It touches on scoreboards, PA systems, and media broadcast requirements among other considerations which are adaptable to Football, Soccer, Rugby, field sports in general and community events that have need for a defined play field surface area and space. The 8 lane is the preferred track design required, complete with steeple chase provision, a complete competitive facility requires, a safety cage for discus (and hammer throw), shot put area into a flat level field and a javelin runway of 45m in length. The spotting of a 40m javelin runway has not been placed. It should remain on school property and the practice field is the best location.

The 2004 Dodge- Regupol surface (as seen below) may not have been the appropriate choice of track given the heavy wear and tear and abuse by all. It is a series of mats rolled and seemed together, then covered with a wear surface. This surface is typically known as a rubber carpet and best used in a dedicated track facility with no maintenance or user vehicles allowed on the surface. Maintenance is difficult if the seams pull apart. Barber Sport Surfaces represents this type of track in Canada. They also lay down `poured in place which are arguably easier to maintain and repair.

Benyon Sport Surfaces, Doll-turf and more locally Ancaster Paving provide expertise for poured in place track surfaces. One notes construction tips and advice on its web site.

IAAF Track and Field Facilities Manual 2008 Edition - Chapters 1-3, and 4 to 8. are on line at; http://www.iaaf.org/about-iaaf/documents/technical

Steeple chase is one of 23 track and field events contested by both men and women from high school age to elite athletic competitions. The steeple event is part of the sport. Eliminating the water jump from the track is minimizing the sport, somewhat analogous to removing football goal posts. The end zone is the touchdown line and you only get an extra point if you kick it between the uprights. But the end posts are an integral part of the game. Goal posts and the water jump both identify the sport. When steeplechase is contested, where crowds are permitted to gather around the water jump, they clamber for a ring side seat. Currently at Nelson the water jump exists at the west end of the track. Since the irrigation system is no longer needed for an artificial turf, plumbing to the water jump has been removed. However, rotating the entire track 180 would allow for access to water and drainage which exists at the east entrance at the football field house. Pushing out to 8 lanes is viable. The 180 rotation will place the finish line on the opposite side of the track, and again in front of proposed new stands.

http://www.iaaf.org/about-iaaf/documents/technical

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With the proposal to move the building relocating the current score board to allow for the increase 8 lanes and steeple chase would not be an issue, in addition, the water pit is easily covered for safety when not being used. The current Nelson press box was donated in 1967 by the Nelson Loins Club along with a scoreboard. This structure was built at the same time as the club house and equipment buildings to the east. The building is in poor condition and there are serious issues with the foundation/structure and safety in addition to it no longer meeting the current needs of the present users groups. The structure receives little to no maintenance with the current window covering broken and weather and animals inside it is often unsafe for users. The drywall is collapsing near the entrance and the stairwell is extremely narrow and unstable, especially with TV equipment. Heating is insufficient. Burlington track has used the main floor for storage and made simple repairs as they could. Structural blocks have cracked, the roof leaks, doors worn off hinges, vandalism has occurred, and doors no longer meets/adjoins properly. Mice and small rodents are more common. High jump mats have been soaked. Mold has attracted insects. The ceiling is water damaged and slowly collapsing. Suffice to say the first floor is holding up the second. The current structure does not have adequate space to host major events (Track meets, football championships, any major event. Thus the current structure is insufficient for LIETV Broadcasts as per CogecoTV as it is not high enough for TV cameras. With the current structure facing directly in the setting sun during broadcasts during the evening it affects the filming quality. Suggest the building be removed and replaced with an alternative modern structure on the opposite side of the field. The Benefits of a new press box:

Would not have to spend money on skyjack rental which has reached over $25,000 for the past 10 years of community sports coverage at Nelson Stadium.

Provide much needed room for camera locations, commentators and others using press box

Safer stairs Press box on the west side of stadium would help with not having to shoot into the

sun; with the sun behind the cameras you get a much better video picture. Production quality increased. With press box on west side, mobile truck access would be safer and parking

would be easier • Parking mobile truck behind the new press box, would be a huge benefit

for production setup and close to power outlet. New press box with a roof would provide shelter for cameras and operators

The current sound system associated is poor quality, breaks down regularly, points at the residence and internal systems are challenging at best. When the press box is moved a new sound system is desperately required.

The Benefits of a new sound system:

Speakers and sound would point towards the school away from the residents Proper system and better volume control and direction/ placement of speakers Safer and more efficient system

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The removal of the existing press box will allow for two long/triple jump runways or one twinned runway with sand pits at either end. The 65m length runway can double as wheel chair access way to the center of the stands.

There is a degree of modularity with the existing bleachers. We would suggest the wheel chair/ able bodied platform be moved, relocated to the area to be opened up in front of the (to be removed) press box. This further allows space for the 6 lane track to become 8 lanes. Additionally, potentially the relocated wheel chair platform be raised another level or three to provide better center field vantage as well double as a stage like platform for other events. We propose to add two additional sets of seats beside the New Press box. Current and future proposed stands are Ns (2) bleachers 12 Rows x 94 ft., Each bleacher has a Gross Seating Capacity of 752, Total for (2) @ 1,504 Gross seats(166) seats are lost due to isles. Actual 18” bench seats = 1,372 spectator seats. Thus seating would then be 2,7444 for the stadium.

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Under the new proposed additional stands located beside the press box on the North side and old stands, secure portable storage modules or more permanent storage should be considered for track and field as well as soccer, high school, BMFA field level and other user groups of the stadium. This storage will also act as a natural sound barrier to the back of the bleachers, helping drown out the sound from residence. Similar slightly scaled down seating is also proposed on each side of the Hardball diamond and removal of the current wooden bleachers. Typical useful space now required is 360 sq. ft. At a minimum 18ft’ depth x 20 feet or in some simple design would suffice for the safe protection and storage of equipment storage, as near track side as possible. (See future possibilities exterior slide in PPT for full example).

V. Timetable • PHASE 1 ( DUE ASAP)

o NEW PRESS BOX, LOCATED NORTH OF FIELD

o NEW SOUND SYSTEM

o NEW BLEACHERS, LOCATED NORTH OF FIELD

Additional players benches

Canadian Made” 22 ft. Players Benches are manufactured using 2-3/8” Sch 40 Heavy Duty Pipe @3/16” wall thickness for decades of use.

o STORAGE FACILITIES – MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

BUILT IN STORAGE UNDERNEATH BLEACHES

o IMPROVED TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES

INCLUDING 8 LANE RUNNING TRACK WITH ABLE BODY ACCESS

o IMPROVED RELATED FIELD RELATED SURFACES AND RELOCATION

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o NEW CLUBHOUSE FACILITY- (PROPOSED JV WITH HDSB/COB/BMFA)

CLUBHOUSE HIGHLIGHTS

• MODERN CHANGING FACILITIES FOR 3 FULL SQUADS

O ONE DEDICATED SHARE SPACE FOR BMFA/BRAVES AND FALL NELSON

BMFA AND RELATED USERS GROUPS ARE ABLE TO QUALIFY FOR TRILLIUM FUNDING

• SECURE AND GENEROUS STORAGE FACILITIES FOR ALL

O REPLACES BMFA JV EQUIPMENT STORAGE

O PROVIDES NELSON WITH MUCH NEEDED STORAGE

• NEW CONCESSION FACILITY AVAILABLE FOR ALL USER GROUPS

• COMMUNITY MEETING ROOMS

• ABLE-BODIED ACCES TO ALL LEVELS

O SEEKING POSSIBLE SPONSORSHIP FROM LOCAL ASSOC. SUCH AS ROTARY OR POSSIBLE PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCE

• ENERGY EFFIEIENT CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION

• BUILT TO CURRENT BUILDING AND FIRE CODES

• POSSIBLE BURLINGTON SPORTS HALL OF FAME LOCATION

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•

HARDBALL DIAMOND O PRESS BOX WITH BROADCASTING ABILITIES FOR COGECO FOR BASEBALL

O SOUND SYSTEM FOR BASEBALL

o ADDITIONAL BLEACHERS FOR BASEBALL

• PHASE 2 (DUE WITHIN NEXT TWO YEARS)

o UPGARDED TWO EXISTING FIELDS , WITH PROPER LINES AND DUAL POST

o UPDATE LIGHTING

O TWO BULLPENS WITH PROTECTIVE SCREENS

FOR PROTECTION OF THE PLAYERS AND THE FANS.

• PHASE 3 (CANNOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL OTHER ABOVE DONE DUE TO CONSTRUCTION)

o NEW PAVED PARKING LOT FOR 230 CARS, WITHOUT STONE BARRIERS

DUAL LANE ACCESS

PAINTED- BETTER SPACE ALLOCATION

EASIER PLOWING

ABLE TO USE FOR OTHER EVENT ACTIVITIES

O WEST END PARK ENTRANCE NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED.

• PHASE 4 (NO SET TIMING – NOT CONTINGENT ON OTHER PHASES)

o REPLACED CITY WORKER SITE & STORAGE

OBTAIN PROPER EQUIPMENT FOR TURF MAINTAINENCE

O NEW AMENITY AREA FOR CASUAL PLAY

SEEKING COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP FOR AMENITY

O INTERNET AND ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARD FOR BASEBALL

SEEKING COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP FOR AMENITY

o ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARD FOR TURF USERS

SEEKING POSSIBLE DONATION BY LOINS OR OTHER RELATED GROUP

o LOGO ON CENTRE OF TURF

SEEKING ALUMNI FUNDRAISING FOR SPACE

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VII. Budget

Description of Work Anticipated Costs

Phase One Building – see construction cost guide 2014

$687,500 to $843,750

Phase One 8 Lane Track and Field related items Unable to obtain at this time

Phase One Service elevator- would try for donation or grant for this item $30,000 to $50,000

Phase One Press box Turf $100,000

Phase One Press box Diamond $40,000

Phase One Bleachers Unable to obtain at this time

Phase One Storage 5,000 to 10,000 per

Phase One New Sound System Unable to obtain at this time

Phase Two

Upgraded two existing fields , with proper lines and dual post

Update lighting

Two bullpens with protective screens

Unable to obtain at this time

Phase Three Paving of Parking Lot $680,000

Phase Three New amenity area for casual play Unable to obtain at this time

Phase Four Internet and electronic scoreboards with video for turf and baseball $70,000 each

Phase Four LOGO FOR CENTRE OF TURF Unable to obtain at this time

Phase Four

Replace city worker site & storage

Approximate 2000 sq ft@110

$ 220,000

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IX. Next Steps Next Step 1

o Councilor and City of Burlington to take proposal to Council and add to capital funding budget items and timing

Review against current plan and budget

Reconvene with user groups on questions, JV arrangements

Meeting with HDSB

• Formulate plan, budget, timetable related to phase 1

o HDSB to take proposal to Council and add to capital funding budget items and timing

Review against current plan and budget

Reconvene with user groups on questions,

Meeting with COB

• Formulate plan, budget, timetable related to phase 1

• Next Step 2

o USERS Group to continue to assist in obtaining quotes

o To establish external funding for items and contribution

• Next Step 3

o All parties to reconvene no later than April 2016

Have formal plan established with timelines and costs

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X. Appendix a. Endorsements b. Construction Cost Guide 2014

November 25, 2015

Re: Nelson Stadium Letter of Support

Dear Ms. Stodulski: It is my pleasure to write a letter in support of the proposal for the Nelson Stadium Improvement initiative being submitted to the City of Burlington and Halton District School Board. This is a project that is long overdue and will benefit TVCogeco immensely. As a major user group, TVCOGECO would benefit with a new press box. Benefits of a new press box for TVCOGECO: -Wouldn’t have to spend money on skyjack rental which has reached over $25,000 for the past 10 years of community sports coverage at Nelson Stadium. -New press box would provide much needed room… for camera locations, commentators and others using press box -Safer stairs -Press box on the west side of stadium would help with not having to shoot into the sun…with the sun behind the cameras you get a much better video picture..so production quality increases. -With press box on west side, mobile truck access would be safer and parking would be easier…. If we can park mobile truck behind the new press box that would be a huge benefit for production setup and close to power outlet -New press box with a roof would provide shelter for cameras and operators In conclusion, we fully support the efforts of this initiative. With the new and improved press box this would enable TVCOGECO to do more coverage for the community. Sincerely, Brad Scott Sports Producer TVCOGECO

December 1st, 2015 To: Janeen Stodulski Re: Track and Field Community interests at Nelson Stadium and letter of support for improvement and redevelopment.

Of all sport fields and tracks in Burlington, Nelson High schools Board of Education and the City of Burlington have over the years shared responsibilities and land use at the west end of Nelson Park, on property referred to as Nelson Stadium.

This is an opportunity to help and support any revitalization endeavors for various levels

of user groups within the community. I applaud any effort and initiative for the Nelson Stadium Improvement being submitted to the city of Burlington and Halton District school Board but do challenge us to bring out a true competitive venue for the occasions when a first class facility is needed.

With respect to the existing track it needs to be pointed out that there is nothing in Halton region except bare bone running tracks that surround multipurpose fields at many area schools. Burlington’s Nelson Stadium is heavily used and needs more than rehabilitation. Its multipurpose environment needs to be better thought out as it is the only near complete competitive venue in the Region. While heavily used for the needs of grade school competition where events are scaled down it is inadequate for high school or provincial athletics. There are possible opportunities for other user groups (Burlington Track, tri athlete training groups et al) to engage in grant requests such as through Ontario’s Trillium Fund to help contribute to the facility. They need to be engaged and will be if the redevelopment is seen going forward. Nelson Sport Park is truly a gem in the City. Make it an attraction. Make it a stadium. Thanks , Christopher Zadow Community Track and Field `aficionado’ Athletics Ontario Coach. Past Burlington Track Club coach, equipment manager, director. Finish Lynx fully automated timer operator.

December 4, 2015

Nelson Stadium Improvements

Janine Stodulski

[email protected]

Re: Community Letter of Support

Dear Ms. Stodulski:

It is our pleasure to write a letter in support of the proposal for the Nelson Stadium Improvement

initiative being submitted to the City of Burlington and Halton District School Board.

This is a project that is long overdue and will greatly benefit the city, school board, community and

various user groups.

On behalf of residents who are direct users of facilities I would like to stress how important this

initiative is for the community.

Nelson High School enjoys a stellar reputation, both for quality of education, and continued

excellence in athletics, with many former student athletes doing well at the next level.

As a parent with boys that played sports, including baseball and football, winning championships,

enjoying success at the next level, and coming back to visit, we see first-hand how the community

enjoys and supports the school, local events, and teams.

Burlington Stampeders is also well respected and still recognized as one of the truly premier minor

football programs.

As a former coach with sons that played, won championships, and came back to help out, I see first-

hand, the continued development and support this program still enjoys within the community.

We have the pleasure of raising our family in this community, with existing facilities, here in south-

east Burlington, where we have been, for over 20 years.

Nelson Stadium is a community gathering place; whether it’s high school sports, or local leagues,

whether it’s football, baseball, soccer, or track and field, the fact is, local residents enjoy and support

these programs and expect to have access to the very best facilities both as users and spectators.

Many years ago, the stadium provided a decent community experience and we enjoyed perhaps

some small advantage over other communities that had lower grade facilities at that time.

Sadly, that has not been the case for quite some time now, as many other communities have now

passed us; they have invested in upgrades and enhancements, while we have let ours decline and

degrade.

This should not be the fate of our proud and long-standing sports and athletics tradition in the Nelson

Community!

That is why the community fully supports the efforts of this initiative.

The investment in building, renovating, and upgrading is required because the loyalty and dedication

of this community is awesome!

This community deserves to have the very best facilities that can provide a first-class experience for

users and spectators, an experience that honours and supports the proud tradition of excellence in

athletics over the years.

A proud tradition that has been earned through many years of dedicated hard work from the

community, including coaches, teachers, parents, and volunteers, a tradition that should be

celebrated, rewarded, and encouraged to continue.

Sincerely,

Brian Vandeweerd

Community Support Representative

Nelson Stadium Improvements Initiative

[email protected]

December 7, 2015.

Community Support Group Nelson Stadium Improvement Plan Dear Committee Members: Nelson Stadium has long been considered the centerpiece of athletic excellence for the City of Burlington and the Halton Community. 2016 will mark the 50th anniversary for the Burlington Minor Football Association (BMFA) and our home, Nelson Stadium. The City of Burlington has grown and developed over this time into one of the finest and most sought after cities to live in Canada. As part of this growth we have seen the successful expansion of new modern athletic facilities to support the growing need within our community. As wonderful as some of these facilities are there is none that compares to Nelson Stadium. With the completion of the turf field, expansion and improvement of the baseball diamond, Nelson Park has and continues to be witness to the achievements of athletes in high school, football, track and field, soccer, baseball, flag football and more. It represents a place of pride for the community. As the amount of room for expansion of our fine City diminishes, the time has never been better to focus on how we may be able to improve those areas that already exist. It is time to focus on Nelson Stadium. She is beautiful but tired. Functional but out of date. Capable but losing ground. As the pressure of community user groups increases, the need to update and renovate our dear Nelson Stadium is becoming more evident. Although the City has done its best in maintaining the physical buildings, press box and general areas, time has taken its toll and reached a point where the cost of repair and maintenance may exceed the actual value of the buildings themselves. The proposal set forth by the Community Support Group will see a renovated and modernized Nelson Stadium. One that will, when completed, be able to support all community users and the growing needs of our community for many years to come.

The BMFA has built its reputation as the best football in Halton and its home is Nelson Stadium. Today we serve over 1,500 youth within five divisions from the ages of 6 to 22. We understand the benefits of Nelson Stadium and what it means to us as an organization, visiting centres and to our community at large. As part of the User Group community we are willing to contribute what we must to ensure the success of this project and have already begun to assign $10 per registration for maintenance and repair and hopefully the Nelson Improvement Plan. There are already plans to increase this amount to $20 per registration fee which would move our commitment from approximately $15,000 to $30,000 per annum. The BMFA and the many other user groups within the community depend on Nelson Stadium and all it has to offer to run the very best programs for the youth of the City of Burlington. We are working hard to ensure that the children of Burlington are provided the best opportunity to grow and be enriched by the various programs that are offered in hopes that one day they too may become an integral part of our community. Nelson Stadium has represented a home to many. A memory of youth and special times. It is our hope that with the revitalization of Nelson Park that it will remain that way for many generations to come. Regards, David Gagner President Burlington Minor Football Association

Community Support Group December 9, 2015

Nelson Stadium Improvement Plan

Dear Committee Members,

The Golden Horseshoe Touch Football Association is proud to use Nelson Stadium annually for our Championship Day in October, hosting 6 of our league championship games there. We also use it on Thursday evenings for our Masters (over 35) touch football league games from mid August until mid November.

The stadium is a wonderful facility that is in need of updating with paving the north parking lot, renovating the change rooms, and press box for announcers & scoreboard use. We have been fortunate to have Cogeco broadcast some of our games, and the press box for cameras and game announcers needs significant improvements completed to be viable for regular use.

The GHTFA is in full support of the needed renovations to Nelson Stadium in order for it to continue to be the main showcase facility for football in Burlington for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Dave Nelson

President, Golden Horseshoe Touch Football Association

nelson stadium user group december 9, 2015 · the track at nelson can be flipped 180 and pushed out...

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