Summerside Plays Ball

Queen Elizabeth Ballpark’s ‘VIV Field’ undergoes expansion

October 26, 2016 – Summerside, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Queen Elizabeth Ballpark, Summerside’s primary venue for minor and recreational baseball and softball leagues, has upgraded one of its popular fields.

Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, and His Worship Bill Martin, Mayor of the City of Summerside, announced combined federal-municipal investments of $396,665 under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) for the City of Summerside to upgrade the ballpark. ACOA is providing $198,331 and the City of Summerside is providing $198,334. In Atlantic Canada, CIP 150 is administered through ACOA.

The Very Important Volunteer (VIV) Field will be expanded in order to meet Softball Canada regulations for hosting larger tournaments and more advanced level athletes. Other modifications will include relocation of the scoreboard and fencing, as well as upgrades to lighting, associated ground work and dugout refurbishment.

This summer, the City of Summerside hosted the Under 21 Softball Ladies Nationals and the Under 15 Boys Baseball Nationals at the upgraded field.

Quotes

“I am pleased to announce funding for the Queen Elizabeth Ballpark. Since 1973, it has been a significant recreational space in Summerside. These upgrades will allow the park to host larger tournaments, bringing in athletes from across the country, which will have a substantial economic impact on the community.”

- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont

“The City of Summerside has a proud history of hosting stellar provincial, national and international sporting events at our “jewel in the crown”- Queen Elizabeth Park. I am so pleased, as are the citizens of Summerside, to have these monies injected into our facility. These crucial upgrades will allow our City to continue to play host to major sporting championships and provide a first-class recreational venue for residents and our future ball players. This is a great example of our federal government working together with our municipal government, ensuring our City flourishes.”

- Bill Martin, Mayor of the City of Summerside

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Canada 150: Join the Celebration
• Atlantic Growth Strategy

Contacts

Christopher Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
chris.brooks@canada.ca 
902-566-7569

Lorri Laughlin
Director of Communications
City of Summerside
902-432-1288
902-439-5096
lorri.laughlin@city.summerside.pe.ca