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The Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-05-06, Page 21Goderich Slgnal-SWr, WeSwstlay, May 6, 2009 - Page A19 Fielding concerns about Goderich's diamonds in the rough Well, it's spring time and that means getting out and active in a whole new way. Hockey is done, so too are ringette, figure skating and even bowling is wrapping up for the season. Indoors is out, as far as the sporting calendar is concerned. Already the outdoor scene is filling up with soccer, baseball, rugby, slo-pitch and all sorts of sports and teams who call Goderich grass their seasonal home. Last week, Goderich Town Council was the place to be, as people flocked to hear the latest news about the affordable housing de- velopment going in on Nelson Street. Slightly less out of the public eye, however, was a letter from John Cove and Paul Hog- garth of the Goderich Minor Soccer and God- erich Minor Baseball organizations respec- • tively. In it, the two were asking the town and the YMCA to step up their vole as caretakers of Goderich's outdoor sporting facilities,. 'We all know we have a gem in the Maitland Recreation Centre. Whether you take part in swimming, hockey, ringette or just like to sculpt your guns in front of the full-length at the gym, you can do so knowing you're prob- ably using the best facilities in the county. When you look at the summer sports ven- ues though, things start to seem a bit uneven... Especially if you are looking at them from the field itself. While our indoor facilities are second to none, our outdoor venues are second to most. The letter to council asks for regular main- tenence on the soccer fields, including an an- nual rolling, aeration and seeding. For the baseball diamonds, they are asking for resculpting for drainage, as well as creat- ing proper warring tracks and foul lines on the fields and repairs done to the backstops and dugouts. Taken all together, it looks like a big wish -list, however, we have to con- sider we have hundreds of kids involved in soc- cer and baseball in town here. Consider the out- of-town teams and that's thousands of people (and dollars) using Goderich's facilities. Last year, when the mosquito tournament was all -but underwater, it was the coaches and volunteers who kept the diamonds play- able, raking, filling and just trying to find enough dirt to make the day possible. It's not an uncommon situation. After heavy storms, the next team sched- uled for the diamonds often has the onerous task of finding sand, sawdust, and whatever else is needed to soak up the rain and ease the hunger of the Ag Park quicksand. Teams practicing on the diamonds now for the fast -approaching season have had to do the same. However, if the care of our outdoor arenas is in the same hands as our indoor, should the two not have similar standards and schedules for upkeep? I don't mind pitching in when there's work to do, and I know most other people feel the same way. Thing is, are we doingwork that we already paid for through taxes and registration fees? If someone leaves garbage under their seat after a Pirates game or a ringette tournament, that's cleaned up by arena staff. If someone does the same watching the Seahawks or the Blaze, it's just litter. Both indoor and outdoor venues are under arrng about The eco Energy retrofit d Savin fi e bort ▪ DC7 mar .. s i Answe The Cool Savings rebate applies to upgrading furnaces and air conditioners through participating contractors t -December 3 ,. You can get /up to $150.00. MOrittrfim:t t taiiak t ht /evetykila. 111- `{Yo rebates you must first ted onYour ;bya a energy advisor 'l risor 'dimes the paperwork to es. eaMoret/ information T.: ?ate lis riot are`ON away buds The province is now amounts dollar for rE rer� if you air eaGi t have as = N/ x' ep ce, Y. r (ace ire effieleri and has a ..v 0 for for an lstalled price of <$3300.00, you get back $1300.00. u can also get money back for upgg to a more efficient air conditioner, or upgrading windows. insulation, low flush tests and more. Of course, if your old furnace isn't high efficiency, you get even more money. The best hart is that some of these same upgrades qualify for more rebates on top of those of the eco Energy program. These ones are easier because they don't require an energy audit. 55Av. •ces, Air condi- „„ limps , 1009. *'•, euro% Renovation Tax it applies to qualifying grades done to your house before Feb 1, 20 information is at http//www creof up $1350.00 is aya#401e. Sin -0640f (lOwners are cumacting on these tiveS'Wfilethufograrns.are stilthfect. Ther :already peopelh them* ares tit haver ivied several thud dokitilfcombine rebatesif your furnace is 15 Years Oki and your central air is 10 yews or older, you should be thii lg of upgrading this year. ' e: h are furnaces and air co pow that can ►mselvi The Obaf0Just mike .1 give you one more tip.,.' an energydit now. it's a° busy year for the nergy,adviso and you need to get on their list There].” are local Energy advisors available. Cali us for names if you like. And don't wait for the furnace to Cori out. The old equipment needs to be in plaoa for the ell» ergy audit. The away to start is by calling us, i'il show. you what you quy for, give you a free quote and can then decide if an upgrade would be in your favour: Cal ANY at Wille Energy today! !<4...VRK. • 262 Bayfield Rd., • Clinton • 519-482-7062 the same jurisdiction, so why the difference in care? I've seen halfbacks touching up lines on the pitch. I've seen catchers and coaches dragging fields. I've seen shortstops chalk- ing, mid -fielders flagging and second base- men shovelling. I've never seen the change the pool filters or add chlorine. Nor should they. Figure skaters never drive the zamboni after Stars on Ice and joggers don't fix broken treadmills. Yet, these things get done regularly without public assistance. Baseball numbers are dropping. Soc- cer too. Is this a case where an investment in outdoor facilities can lead to an investment in participants? Giving everyone involved the benefit of the doubt, it could be the two sides just haven't sat down to- gether to work it out. Now, both minor soccer . and baseball are asking athletes outdoors get the same level of service they Huron Hurricanes come to expect indoors. It's not pitting one sport against another, just asking for a level playing field - literally. Unlike their indoor counterparts, the sky really is the limit when it comes to Goder- ich's potential as a summertime athletic des- tination. CLINTON and DISTRICT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL inspiring education Christian Education Week Monday, Mayo •Friday, Maya Open House Thursday May 7 Talent AssemblyMa ;'u� p,m. For more information, contact 482-7851 87 Percival Street, Clinton, ON Walmart :'' . Save money. Live better. 1 Celebrate Mother's Day! 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