President’s Message: Turf Field Permit Update to Mooredale Members
June 17, 2010
I am pleased to provide you with a further update regarding Mooredale’s proposed investment in a mini-field project at OLPH School. From the outset, Mooredale has been sensitive to both the Moore Park neighbourhood and the OLPH parent group and we encourage feedback from both groups, particularly in light of an emerging proposal from neighbours of the school who would prefer not to see a mini-field constructed for after-hours use by Mooredale Soccer Club. The initial premise of Mooredale’s involvement was in response to a funding need arising from the school’s sports field refurbishment plans, and our involvement remains premised on the OLPH parent group and administration continuing to support the invitation.
On Wednesday June 16 the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) held a meeting in which delegations were invited to present their views on the proposed artificial turf mini-field. Lewis Reford and Chris Valentine spoke on behalf of Mooredale’s proposal to fund the construction of the field in 2010 (budget $250,000) in exchange for a ten-year permit for use of the facility for soccer and other field sports after school hours and on weekends, from spring through the fall. Two OLPH parents also spoke (separately) in favour of the Mooredale proposal and there were many supporters in the gallery.
At the same meeting, a representative of the Moore Park Residents’ Association presented an alternative proposal for the OLPH playground redevelopment, one that would be funded privately by neighbours of the school (with OLPH families likely being asked to contribute) and would not include a regulation-size mini soccer field. The speaker requested a deferral of the TCDSB decision to allow the Residents’ Association more time to seek financing for its proposed project. Three other interested parties spoke in favour of the alternative proposal. There was no opportunity for questions and answers, and the TCDSB gave no indication of which proposal it favoured.
The TCDSB is likely to make a decision on the OLPH playground redevelopment by the end of June. Mooredale has made its generous offer conditional on a mini-field being built in 2010. If the TCDSB defers its decision to a later date, the Mooredale Turf Committee will reconsider its proposal in light of other field opportunities it is presently considering.