DRAYTON – There’s LED lighting, upgraded bleachers, new surfacing, and updates to bathrooms and a concession building at the Drayton ball diamonds.
The improvements were completed from March to December 2022, thanks to an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant of just over $234,000, said Mapleton parks manager Lucas Rogerson during an event on April 15 recognizing the grant.
About 10 people attended the gathering at the ball diamonds, including Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae, Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson and councillor Michael Martin.
Rogerson said the township applied for the grant in September of 2021 and received notification of funding in January 2022.
He noted “the improved infield and updates to bleachers improve players’ and spectators’ experiences, and the improved facade and accessibility improve accessibility for patrons and the longevity of the building.”
The new lighting adds “four to six hours of usability throughout the season,” meaning there is more opportunity for ball players to use the diamonds, he added.
“Just in bookings for this year” the township is already seeing an increase, Rogerson said, and the “season hasn’t even started yet.”
