New outfield fencing slated for Serauxmen Stadium

Part of phased improvement plan for stadium

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 3, 2021 10:57 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is replacing the old Serauxmen Stadium fencing as part of a multi-phased improvement project for the facility. The fencing project consists of the following:

replacing the 24 foot high right field fence often nicknamed the "Green Monster"
adding a 16 foot centerfield fence known as a batter's eye fence to give batters a visual backdrop
replacing the balance of the 8 foot outfield fence
replacing the right and left foul line fences with 4 feet high fencing to allow for additional spectator viewing
adding safety netting above the "Green Monster" for added protection to the adjacent soccer field

The original fence was made of wood, and over time, has deteriorated leading to the necessary replacement. The "Green Monster" was also becoming a safety hazard so was removed in 2020. The new fence will be a chainlink fence with a combination of padding and windscreen.

The overall budget for this portion of improvements for Serauxmen Stadium is approximately $1.2 million and is partially funded through the Union of British Columbia's Community Works Gas Tax Fund. The Serauxmen Stadium Amateur Baseball Association has also contributed $150,000 towards the project.

This fencing project is currently underway and will be completed by July 2021. Most of the pedestrian access points around the stadium will be maintained during the work with signage and flaggers directing as necessary.

Link to Strategic Plan: Providing enhancements to our play spaces supports a livable community.

Key Points

The Serauxmen Stadium was purchased by the City of Nanaimo from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools in 2017 as part of a purchase package that also included the purchase of the Rotary Bowl and the jointly funded construction of the Nanaimo District Secondary School (NDSS) Community Field.
Since taking possession in 2018, and with the endorsement of Council, the City has been making improvements at the facility as part of the phased improvement plan.
Project is now underway and will be completed in July 2021.

Quotes

"Council is committed to improving Nanaimo’s outdoor spaces. The City has been making improvements to the Serauxmen Stadium as part of a phased plan, in collaboration with community partners and user groups, since 2018 to enhance the already impressive amenities found along the Larry McNabb Street Sports Zone located on Third Street."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"These fencing and netting improvements make Serauxmen Stadium a safer place to play for athletes, enhance the spectator experience and support the overall stadium improvement plan that will benefit baseball and all other users of this facility. The Serauxmen Stadium Amateur Baseball Association is happy to be working with the City of Nanaimo to improve Serauxmen Stadium in making it a first-class facility for the residents of Nanaimo."

Lorne Goodall

President

Serauxmen Stadium Amateur Baseball Association

Quick Facts

In 1972, Nanaimo Minor Baseball Association (NMBA) signed an agreement with the school district to build a baseball field on an old mine site behind Nanaimo District Secondary School which later developed into Serauxmen Stadium.
Serauxmen Stadium officially opened July 31, 1976 in a ceremony that included retired New York Yankees player Mickey Mantle and retired Boston Red Sox player Jim Piersall. Hockey players Johnny Bucyk (Boston Bruins) and Chris Oddleifson (Vancouver Canucks), football players George Reed (Saskatchewan Roughriders) and NHL referee Llyod Gilmour also attended.

Images

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Contact:

Communications

Media Relations

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

Media.Relations@nanaimo.ca

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