Officials gathered on Saturday to unveil improvements to the ball fields at Thessalon's Lakeside Park.
The dugouts and backstops have been replaced, there's new magnetic bases and new bleachers, with inclusive, accessible seating options.
"These upgrades enhance both the safety and accessibility of the ball fields, ensuring a better experience for players and spectators alike," the town said in a news release.
"The new dugouts feature wider entrances, and accessible bleachers allow wheelchair users to sit comfortably among other fans."
The upgrades are a result of a $150,000 capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation, which was awarded in 2023.
Find the full news release from the Town of Thessalon below:
On Saturday, local MPP Bill Rosenberg was at Lakeside Park with representatives from the Town of Thessalon to celebrate the results of a $150,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant, awarded in 2023, was used to make significant improvements to the ball fields at Lakeside Park. The OTF grant funded the replacement of dugouts and backstops, installation of new magnetic bases, and the addition of new bleachers — including inclusive, accessible seating options.
“Congratulations to the Mayor, Council, and everyone involved in making this exciting project a reality for the residents of the Town of Thessalon,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin.
“Over the last few years, the Town has made great efforts to make all areas of the community accessible and more enjoyable for everyone. Thanks to the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation; these upgrades to Lakeside Park will provide years of enjoyment for all residents and visitors for many years forward.This is a great example of how our provincial support working with community initiatives, can make a meaningful difference.”
These upgrades enhance both the safety and accessibility of the ball fields, ensuring a better experience for players and spectators alike. The new dugouts feature wider entrances, and accessible bleachers allow wheelchair users to sit comfortably among other fans.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support in making much-needed improvements to the Lakeside Park Ballfields,” said Jordan Bird, Mayor, Town of Thessalon.
“These enhancements not only improve the safety, accessibility, and overall experience at the ballfields, but they also help ensure this space remains a vibrant hub for our community. These fields play an important role in supporting active, healthy living and community connection in the Town of Thessalon. Events like the annual Thessalon Family Ball Tournament continue to bring generations of residents and visitors together, and we’re proud to invest in a space that supports such meaningful traditions."
“When the Family Tournament started, we only had one field, so there were only a few teams. Now, the tournament has expanded to 32 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams,” said Jim “Pinger” King, Founder of the Thessalon Family Ball Tournament.
“The new upgrades at Lakeside Park — the bleachers and dugouts — are a vast improvement over the old setup and have definitely made the experience better for everyone. There's no doubt they've played a big part in the success of the tournament today. New organizers have taken over running the tournament from me, and they’re doing an excellent job. I’m very proud to have my name on one of the fields. The Town of Thessalon takes great care and pride in maintaining the park and fields for this weekend — and it shows.”
The Town of Thessalon is committed to providing accessible municipal facilities, services, programs, and documents to all residents and visitors. We strive to prevent and remove barriers in order to create a welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities. As the Town continues to grow and develop, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging remains a top priority.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.