The Fen Burdett field and running track in Mahon Park will be getting a major makeover next year.
City of North Vancouver council voted Monday in favour of choosing Fen Burdett Stadium as the site for an artificial turf field and new running track.
The $3.25-million upgrade to current facilities on site will see an artificial turf field go in place of the existing gravel field, a new rubber surfaced running track in place of the existing gravel one as well as other community space and parking upgrades.
It came down to two choices for council after the idea to incorporate the city’s third artificial turf field arose in 2012: either Fen Burdett Stadium or Kinsmen South, just to the north. While both spaces presented pros and cons, after an initial public input period in May and a staff presentation to the City Parks and Environment
Advisory Committee, it was determined that Fen Burdett, with existing lighting and better parking, would be the better fit. Most councillors agreed.
“I think this is going to be an excellent addition to what are already excellent athletic facilities along Jones Avenue, so I look forward to the next steps,” said Coun. Linda Buchanan. “I think that it makes sense in terms of the fact the lighting already exists, there’s a track that’s already there (and) we will not be displacing the water park.”
Coun. Craig Keating was also on board with the location, citing the many user groups that Fen Burdett already serves and the existing parking already in the area, a concern brought up with the other choice of Kinsmen South.
“I think it’s a great opportunity here. I think Fen Burdett is the right choice,” he said.
Although on board with the idea, Coun. Rod Clark did cite some concerns he had in regards to the project, including the lower price tag for the alternate location at Kinsmen South, which would cost $650,000 less.
“I would have preferred perhaps Kinsmen South. It is cheaper and we’re not at a point yet, I don’t believe, that we can’t consider Kinsmen South further,” he said, also expressing concerns in regards to the park’s namesake.
“I have great concern that Fen Burdett, who was a baseball player, would be somehow dishonoured by the redevelopment with an artificial sports field that is moving in the location.”
Baseball leagues that regularly hold games on the existing gravel field did agree that the new turf field would not be suitable for the game, although based on players’ input, staff confirmed that Hamilton Fields in nearby Heywood Park would be a suitable relocation.
The city so far has an approved a budget of $2.75 million for the project, which includes $200,000 in funding from community sports groups, and has filed an application for a $500,000 federal community infrastructure grant.
If the grant is not awarded by early fall this year, staff will be sent out to look at further funding options.
Mayor Darrell Mussatto also expressed enthusiasm over the project. “I think it will be something great for all the people in the community. It’s a very well used area and will be even more used when this is complete.”
Mayor Mussatto also had a response when it came to Coun. Clark’s concern over the field’s name.
“For Councillor Clark, I do know that Mr. Burdett was an avid soccer player because he had the Burdett Beavers Soccer Club and many of my friends played in that club. So he was baseball and soccer as well.”
In the end, council voted unanimously in favour of bringing the project to the next step, which will see two more public consultation open houses in the fall.
A detailed design will follow public input. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2016.
Coun. Don Bell was not present at Monday’s council meeting.
