Clearwater County is introducing user fees for the newly developed Leslieville Recreation Grounds— including for the use of the site’s sports field and ball diamond.
To manage usage and maintenance, the fees range from $13 per hour for local youth to $35 per hour for non-local adult teams. Tournament bookings carry additional charges of up to $200, and a refundable damage deposit will be required.
Development on the grounds behind David Thompson High School began in 2019. Informed by public consultation and stakeholder input, the site now features a new playground, a ball diamond, and a fledgling soccer pitch.
As the facilities prepare for their first full season, county officials say demand for the ball diamond in particular has grown, with interest from local teams and even groups from as far away as Red Deer.
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Under the bylaw, casual use of the recreation grounds—such as family gatherings or pickup games—is still permitted at no cost when the facilities are not booked. However, organized groups wishing to secure specific time slots will need to pay the appropriate fee and provide proof of $2 million in liability insurance.
Councillor Genny Melhaff was the lone councillor to vote against the bylaw, arguing that local taxpayers should not be charged to use a facility they already fund.
“I don’t think $2 million in liability insurance is reasonable for something like a child’s birthday party,” said Melhaff, though she praised the bylaw’s clarity and user-friendly language.
New playground structure at Leslieville Recreation Area. (94.5 Rewind Radio/Jordan Rein)
Councillor Jordon Northcott, praised the bylaw, saying there’s nothing stopping locals from casually using the facility.
“I do think that the fees will help. It’s been than somebody booking or an organization booking the diamonds for a whole season at no cost,” said Northcott. “Local residents can use the baseball diamonds at their will whenever they’d like— zero red tape.”
The county administration clarified that only organized bookings require insurance, and that the site otherwise remains open to the public on a “use at your own risk” basis.
Council passed all three readings of the bylaw during a meeting the May 14, noting that adjustments can be made in the future if concerns arise.
You can see a full breakdown of user fees here.
New benches at Leslieville Recreation Area as seen summer 2024. (Jordan Rein/94.5 Rewind Radio)
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