The site located at 363 McFarlane Rd, next to the Jim Uens Ball Diamond (Field 1), formerly a tennis and basketball court, is in need of improvements. Restoration of this area was highlighted as a priority in the Township’s Recreation Master Plan. Further, this engagement aligns with Section 1.3 of the Strategic Plan, which focuses on increasing community engagement.

Tyendinaga Township is exploring four potential redevelopment options to revitalize this space: a new bullpen and batting cage area to support local baseball development, refurbishment of the courts into a multi-use basketball and ball hockey surface, construction of a community pavilion, or a more budget-friendly refresh of the existing pad and fencing. Each concept has its own merit and aims to enhance recreation, accessibility, and year-round community use while aligning with Township priorities, available funding, and public feedback.

This is preliminary engagement in the early stages of planning, and your input will help guide future decisions. At the bottom of this page, there is an opportunity to share your opinion on what path you think is best.

Bullpen and Batting Cage

• Removal of old fencing, overgrown vegetation, removal of the existing asphalt pad.
• Construction of 2 pitching areas and a batting cage for player warm-up and skill development.
• Installation of appropriate fencing around pitching and batting areas for safety.
• Groundwork, including grading, mound preparation, and pad restoration or removal as required.
• Purchase and installation of a 10x16 storage shed with lockable doors for equipment storage.
• Lighting
• Landscaping
• Why: This project directly supports athlete development and safety, providing dedicated spaces for pitchers and batters to warm up and practice. The storage shed ensures equipment is secure and organized. Investing in proper facilities can enhance participation, attract new players, and improve overall program quality.

Multi-Use Court Installation

• Refurbishment of the former basketball/tennis court into a multi-use space for basketball and ball hockey.
• Removal of old fencing, overgrown vegetation, and replacement of the existing pad with levelled concrete.
• Purchase and Installation of a new flexible court surface
• Purchase and Installation of basketball posts, nets, ball hockey supplies and line painting for multi-sport play.
• Safety fencing installed where required to contain play.
• Lighting
• Landscaping
• Why: Transforming an underused and deteriorating court into a safe, multi-sport area provides a versatile recreational space for all ages (including adults). It encourages active living, supports new programs, and maximizes the use of existing township assets.

Community Pavilion

• Construction of a community pavilion with a steel roof over the existing pad.
• Restoration or replacement of the pad as needed for stability and accessibility.
• Purchase of picnic tables, waste bins and other relevant fixtures
• Lighting
• Landscaping
• Why: The pavilion creates a year-round community gathering space for events, programs, and casual use. It can host group activities, provide shelter for outdoor events, and serve as a hub for community connection and engagement.

Budget-Friendly Refresh

• Refurbishment of the existing site by the Township Recreation Department.
• Removal of overgrown vegetation, crack filling, and removal of old or broken posts and nets.
• Line painting for Basketball and Ball Hockey
• Installation of basketball nets, ball hockey nets, and necessary playing equipment with appropriate storage
• Minor fencing repairs where required.
• Minor Landscaping
• Lighting
• Costs estimated to be significantly lower than the full turn-key options, leveraging Township labour and targeted subcontracting.
• Why: This option offers a low-cost way to improve community recreation without the need for full construction. By leveraging township staff and targeted subcontracting, it provides functional spaces for play while keeping costs manageable. It’s a practical solution that maintains safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities even if grant funding is limited.

Each of the proposed redevelopment options carries a substantial cost; however, all are eligible for external grant funding to significantly offset expenses. The three larger, full-turn-key projects (the bullpen and batting cage, multi-use court, and community pavilion) are estimated to each be in the range of $175,000 to $350,000. These costs would be partially covered through grant programs if approved.

The fourth option, a more budget-friendly site refresh, is estimated at approximately $25,000-55,000, which may also qualify for grant/sponsorship support.

All of these projects are dependent on securing significant grants or sponsorships to minimize any tax burden on the community and will likely not proceed without such.