Clarington has announced it is moving forward with the construction of Phase 1 of the Newcastle Community Park, despite increased cost due to inflation.
The park is located directly southwest of the Diane Hamre Recreation Complex.
The cost of the Newcastle Community Park construction exceeds the allocated budget by $2,387,64.79, said a Clarington report.
In 2020, council approved a $1.5 million budget for the construction of Phase 1, including illuminated tournament quality sports fields and a skateboard park.
As a result of community feedback and recommendations made in the 2020 Outdoor Recreation Needs Assessment Study, the scope and the vision for the new park has changed to include illuminated baseball, pickleball and tennis facilities along with the newly completed skateboard park, site furnishings, plantings, and pathways, said a Clarington Council report.
With the changed scope for this park and the rising cost of construction due to inflation, material and labour shortages and the rising cost of oil, council has approved a larger budget to ensure this project is completed. The Newcastle Community Park is largely funded through development charges that have been or will be collected through new growth in Clarington.
Construction is anticipated to start in September.
For more information, read Report FSD-029-22 and Council resolution C-152-22.
