June 2022 Update  

The Town of High Level is in the process of expanding Community Park!

The plan is to create an additional 5.27 hectares of greenspace that will include the following:

• two additional softball diamonds 
• cricket field
• soccer pitches 
• a pavilion
• washrooms 
• playground equipment, and
•  walking pathways

The soccer and cricket areas are interchangeable and will provide a large green space to host outdoor events. There will be power to the stage area and the ability to accommodate various events, be it an outdoor concert or bouncy houses for Canada Day!

We are also planning additional parking off 106 Street north of the hospital. 

The Town has a completed a detailed design and the initial work of site preparation was completed in the fall of 2021.

Why the Additional Ball Diamonds?

The Town has been working on the development of a new Multi Purpose Facility that would be attached to High Level Public School. With the expansion of that infrastructure, the ball diamonds currently located in the vicinity would need to be relocated as that space will be converted into parking.

(click photo to enlarge)  

How is this funded?

The Town has received a grant for $750,000 under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) from Western Economic Diversification Canada. In addition, funding from other provincial government grants is being utilized, totaling $1.1 million for the current phase of park development.

The total cost of the Community Park expansion is estimated to be $3.3 million.

What Can You Expect in 2022?

We are anticipating completing 

• rough and fine grading; top soil and seeding of the  entire area
• running electrical cable for 62 light standards; electrical for stage set up; having a new transformer installed
• gravel of the new parking lot and pathways
• concrete for stage pad and pavilion
• installation of two washrooms

What is changing?

We are removing the dugout from the area to make room for these new developments. 

The enclosed dog park that was part of the ball diamonds has been relocated to Canfor Park!

The off leash area is still available temporarily, and signs will be posted when equipment is present. Please watch for these signs as it will be unsafe for dogs to be off leash. 

We are anticipating limited access to this area from mid June through to September.

Some of the disc golf baskets will be unavailable (#5 and #6 ) for a few weeks, and then will be temporarily relocated for this summer.  The detail design indicates the expansion of the area travelled from each tee to increase, but the course will actually be increased to eighteen baskets in 2023.  For up-to-date details on the course and basket locations, please use the App – Udisc Disc Golf.

The Town continues to look for funding opportunities to complete asphalting of pathways and parking lots, the addition of benches, picnic tables, and fire pits, the completion of fencing and ball diamonds, and the completion of dugouts and natural playgrounds.

The park is expected to be completed in 2024.

Feedback?

Public engagement took place in 2020, prior to the development of a concept plan being developed and refined into the detailed design we have presented.  If you have feedback, please contact Ruth Rolfe, Director of Community Services at dcs@highlevel.ca.