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Vernon  

Kin Racetrack ball diamonds sit unused, city plans to remove them

Diamonds set to be pulled

As the ball diamonds at Kin Racetrack Park haven't been used in over three years, city staff are recommending pulling them out.

"The diamonds ... have not been reserved or booked for game play in over three years. The dugouts and fields are in deteriorating condition, and portions of the fencing was removed to accommodate BC Wildfire crews that were stationed at the park in 2021," a report to Vernon city council states.

The only park activity on the site in 2022 has been on-leash dog walking, recreation services camps and a few pop-up spray parks.

"Based on current market conditions, it is expected that the parks department will see increases in costs from contractor rates, supplies and overall operation and maintenance processes," the report adds.

It recommends reduced a service level similar to other dog parks in the city.

Administration is suggesting removal of the diamonds, fencing, dugouts and bleachers, using remaining 2022 operating budget funds and reducing the service level to only rough grass cuts for 2023 onwards.

The adjustment would allow the department to achieve a council-directed 3% taxation increase and maintain all other parks at current service levels.

The Kin Racetrack site is the proposed future home of a new Active Living Centre to be decided by referendum on Oct. 15. Should it pass, the diamonds would end up being removed anyway.



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