Last year, some work like landscaping at the diamonds was done. This year, there are projects in mind. For one, they are looking at building a maintenance shed at Lions diamond #3 on the northwest side of Boissevain. Reimer said the canteen building they put up a few years ago, which also houses an umpire room, was going to hold equipment like the batting machine. Right now, it is being used as a maintenance shed for their landscaping machines and the like. A shed for that equipment behind #3 would help a great deal.
“We want to keep those machines away from people. It will make a nicer setting for everyone, and make the area safer.”
As well, they want to do some work on #1. Reimer said it needs some improvement as it is often damaged by bad drainage.
Those are the for sure projects for this year. Minor Ball has more ideas for the area. The setting of the Lions diamonds is a good one, nestled away north of the new development, well kept and treed. They would like to make it better.
“Maybe we would look at developing more of a park setting,” Reimer explained. “Once we get the other things done, then we could see where we’re at.”
One of the moves they would be looking at is closing the road that runs north of the diamonds. It is open now to vehicle traffic, but they might want to turn it into a footpath. With small children and at times large crowds around, it would have definite benefits.
“It’s really a safety thing.”
Although not definite, perhaps when the ball season is done, they can look at the idea and start planting some grass there.
Developing that area is an important step. Boissevain is known as a ball town, and the community has hosted numerous large tournaments in the recent past. Each time, Boissevain Minor Ball and the town itself receives good comments regarding its facilities. Reimer said they look at what has been developed in Altona, and though they might not be able to reach quite that level, they do use it as a model. It is all about making something good better.
“It ties in with everything. We have the campground there, the pool. The more we can add to that, why not? It’s good for the town.”
Despite what Mother Nature has decided, it is ball season, with teams already practicing and the playing schedule set to start this past week. Reimer said it is a short season, only two months, although teams that do well can play through July. Numbers are once again good, with Boissevain joining only Virden and Deloraine with teams in every age group. There are five teams in the 7-9 year old category and the 4-6 year olds are also strong, which bodes very well for the future. They even draw some kids from Killarney and Wawanesa. Although not hosting any provincials this year, there will be boys’, girls’ and mosquito level tournaments in June.
Reimer said they very much appreciate the donation made for diamond upkeep. He said the Lions diamonds have been around for a very long time, and he thinks these are the first real renovations done.
“We’re very fortunate,” he said. “A lot of times, you are trying to save money, but this donation was made for us to spend.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff