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Delta park tree removal part of backstop replacement

The City of Delta will remove a pair of trees to allow for a new ball diamond at Chalmers Park. Council this summer agreed to spend almost $104,000 to replace the existing backstop at 76A Avenue park.
chalmers park
A pair of trees had to be removed at Chalmers Park to make it safer for ball players.

The City of Delta will remove a pair of trees to allow for a new ball diamond at Chalmers Park.

Council this summer agreed to spend almost $104,000 to replace the existing backstop at 76A Avenue park.

According to staff, it is nearing the end of its lifespan and requires replacement.

A recent memo to council notes that over the years, ball groups who have used the current diamond have made do with two large trees and an irrigation box within the field of play.

The obstacles have limited the use of the diamond and have posed potential hazards to the ball players.

As part of the project, and in order to create a standard 250-foot ball diamond, the trees were slated for removal.

The city will plant 15 new trees at the park as part of the 2020 Urban Reforestation project.

The new fence will be completed before the end of 2020.

The city’s latest strategic plan for parks recommended the establishment of an ongoing replacement cycle for all backstops.

With backstop replacements costing between $75,000-to-$150,000 each, an ongoing fund of $150,000 per year would be required to address backstop replacements, the parks and recreation department notes.