Accessible additions proposed for Mohawk Sports Park

Back in August, it was announced that Hamilton would rename Mohawk Sports Park’s track to the Ray Lewis Track and Field Centre. To celebrate this name change and to make the centre more accessible, the Golden Horseshoe Track and Field Council has proposed to spend nearly $440,000 to make improvements.

The organization is in the midst of raising funds to build two 500-seat accessible bleachers and an accessible gazebo. The organization also plans to renovate the current field house, as it doesn’t comply with regulations outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Originally, the field house was not going to be renovated until at least 2020. Due to age, insufficient washrooms and accessibility issues, the field house will be receiving a complete overhaul sooner than expected.

As a public facility, it is crucial for the Track and Field Centre to be accessible. Through including ramps and viewing platforms, the bleachers will be much more inclusive and will allow for more individuals to attend the Centre’s events.

To receive funding for these improvements, the Golden Horseshoe Track and Field Council has applied for many grants. These include federal and provincial government grants, as well applying to the Jumpstart charity and the Hamilton Future Fund.

If all goes well, the Ray Lewis Track and Field Centre will be able to expand their current programming and be able to host major sporting events. Once complete, Hamilton’s Olympic Club might even host a permanent Para-Olympic program at the park.

Have you ever been to the Mohawk Sports Park? Would you attend events if they had accessible bleachers? Let us know in the comments.

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• Accessibility
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• Mohawk Sports Park
• Ray Lewis
• Sports
• Track and Field