Concept drawings of the facility were on display at an open house held at Bracebridge Sportsplex last week.

The project consultant, Totten Sims Hubicki Associates, along with members of the town’s ball park advisory committee and staff were on hand to explain the features of the proposed complex, respond to questions and hear suggestions from the public regarding the project.

With the site being remote from the built-up area of town, the prevention of vandalism is a concern, said consultant Mike Hubicki as he explained the concept of crime prevention through environmental design.

“The basic principle is to keep things visible so police or people driving by are able to see,” he said. “Pedestrian walkways will be wide and well-lit. Nooks, crannies and hiding places will be eliminated.”

While there are approvals to be made and tenders to be let, Hubicki said the town could speed up the construction process by doing as much demolition, tree clearing and site preparation as possible at appropriate times.

“The optimum timeline is for seeding is June-July of 2009 and everything ready to go for ball players in the spring of 2010,” he said.

The complex will include the four new ball diamonds, a washroom and canteen building, trails, parking and other related facilities.

Councillor Scott Young said council is committed to the use of on-site timber for pavilions and picnic shelters. The rolling nature of the site lends itself to ball fields being located on different levels and the possibility of seating in natural amphitheatres created by the slopes.

With ball registration just beginning, Gail Jackson of Bracebridge Minor Baseball said it is looking as though registration will climb again this year.

“Two years ago we had 70 registered and last year we had 140,” she said. “At the first registration we usually get one or two, but this year we got 26.”

Bracebridge received a grant of $2,815,213.50 under the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative program to help fund the project.

At the town’s administration and finance committee meeting Monday morning, committee members gave their approval to a lease agreement with the District of Muskoka for the Peake farm property.

The initial term of the lease is 50 years, starting in 2008, with yearly renewal after 2058. The annual rental rate for the property has been set at $10. Final approval of the lease agreement is expected to come before town council at its next meeting.