By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
The second phase of the St. Clair College Community Park is slated to begin next spring in Chatham.
At the Dec. 1 meeting, Chatham-Kent council approved a bid of $3.3 million from Westhoek Construction. The Chatham-based company was among seven businesses who submitted tenders to carry out the work.
According to a report from administration, phase two will see the construction of 10 pickleball courts; two basketball courts; two washroom buildings; a playground and associated pathways and accessories.
In the works since 2023, when St. Clair College donated 19.5 acres of land, the park will be completed in three phases. Phase one included parking and infrastructure work, as well as the opening of the Rogers Tennis Dome in October.
Funding to build the park kicked off in 2023 with $200,000 from C-K’s strategic reserves, followed by $2 million from the Hydro One Community Benefit Fund. A total of $1.5 million from the municipal budget will go towards developing the park for a three-year period from 2024-26.
Work on phase 2 will commence in April, with completion set for fall.
