Ward 3 councillor Corey Kimpson requested staff look into the city’s role in supporting the maintenance of school board run facilities at a meeting last month
Help could be on the way for recreational facilities in the city that have fallen into disrepair.
At a council meeting on June 25, Ward 3 councillor Corey Kimpson requested staff look into maintenance responsibilities when it comes to facilities on school board grounds and how the city could potentially support.
“As our city grows and the population increases, we need to proactively work to ensure that there are a variety of recreational areas available and maintained to an acceptable standard. ” Kimpson said on Tuesday when asked to elaborate on her comments.
“My direction to staff was to investigate whether there is opportunity to improve the maintenance of already existing facilities to offer increased access to recreation for our community. “
Kimpson points out that joint usage and service agreements are already in place in certain cases, with one being the field at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School, but she knows many of the facilities haven’t been properly cared for.
The frustration is also being felt by local sports organizations.
James Porto, a coach at Laurel Creek Track and Field club in Waterloo and teacher at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, is one of the people disappointed with the state local tracks are in.
As both a coach and teacher, he sees the positive impact sports can have on young people.
“It’s extremely frustrating,” Porto said as he stood at the track at St. Benedict last month.
“I’ve always heard everyone say you’re a student first then an athlete. Education is really important, I’m a math teacher, but I think you get a way better education during a day at track and field than you do in a math class.”
A statement from the Waterloo Region District School Board on the matter indicated there are no projects in the budget specifically for track replacements at this time but it continues to prioritize and address facility needs to ensure safety and functionality.
Kimpson said track and field isn’t the only sport she’d like to see supported, as having adequate tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts and field space is important to a thriving community.
Understanding budgetary considerations with potential maintenance, Kimpson believes the benefit of any improvements is likely worth the cost.
“While any increase in service does have a budgetary effect, utilizing already existing areas would be far less costly than having to develop new recreational areas,” she said.
“Further, most schools are conveniently located to residential areas and would provide easy access to the community. Investment in recreation and parks is money well spent, as participation improves physical fitness and offers benefits to one’s mental wellbeing.”
Alana Russell, director of communications for the City of Cambridge, confirmed that staff is looking into the matter and should have an update for council in the near future.
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