Gravenhurst approves a revamp of the Wharf Sports Field
Gravenhurst Council approved a revamp of the Wharf Sports Field, in the October 15, 2024, meeting.
According to the Director of Infrastructure Services, Andrew Stacey, it began with a request from the Farmer’s Market and the Tall Pines Music Festival to use Gull Lake Rotary Park (GLRP) for this year’s events.
His report indicated that both organizations were allowed to have their events at the GLRP because of concerns about the Bay and Beyond construction at the Wharf impacting their success. It worked out so well they asked to continue their events there permanently. And the idea was met with the support of the community.
According to a social media survey conducted by the Gravenhurst Farmer’s Market, 158 out of 168 responses voted in favour of them staying at the park.
Feedback from Tall Pines indicated that 97% of over 5000 attendees would return to the event at the park next year.
Stacey indicated that the vacancy and economic impact from moving the events from the Wharf can be addressed by redeveloping the Sports Field as a year-round multi-use park for all age groups, which could include moving the GLRP baseball diamond there.
He advised that re-purposing the area would be fitting with the Town’s Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan, and is a constructive use of community assets.
Council members supported the idea, however, agreed that it requires further consideration for user groups.
Councillor, Sandy Cairns, indicated they would have to consider youth that already live close to GLRP and participate in sports like baseball and soccer there. She said their accessibility to the sports would change if they moved the diamond to the Wharf.
Councillor, Peter Johnston, suggested considering financially viable options for the Wharf “to mitigate the loss and economic growth there,” from moving the events.
Stacey advised that staff will consider the feedback they receive, including responses from a public consultation, and will bring design ideas forward for Council consideration in an upcoming meeting.
