Public Service Announcement

HRM Decision Allows Chebucto Baseball Batting Cage to Remain

(Friday, May 21, 2010) - After reviewing information gathered from considerable public input, HRM staff has recommended that the Halifax Chebucto Minor Baseball (HCMB) League be allowed to maintain its new batting cage near the baseball field of Larry O’Connell Park in Central Halifax.

At a recent public meeting, HRM staff acknowledged it was unfortunate that public consultation did not take place before the batting cage was approved and installed.

The HRM decision to let the batting cage remain has been made with the understanding that:
• The cage will be monitored for the coming year in terms of management and any impact it has regarding the park’s other uses;
• It will be considered within a recent Peninsula Community Council’s request for a comprehensive baseball strategy;
• Staff will look at measures to improve the visual impact this type of structure has in sensitive areas; and
• If any changes are made following these steps to the batting cage or its location, HRM will assume the costs.

District 14 Councillor Jennifer Watts is hosting public meetings to discuss park use within her area, and Larry O'Connell Park will be part of this process.

The batting cage was funded by HCMB and Sport Nova Scotia to allow young players to develop their hitting skills without the requirement of a full ball park. According to its website, HCMB supports nearly 300 young ball payers.

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Contact:

Shaune MacKinlay
HRM Public Affairs
490-6531

District 14 Councillor Jennifer Watts
497-4748