The revitalization of Norm Perry Memorial Park is on the drawing board with its facilities reaching end-of-life.
Sarnia council will consider accepting a nearly $78,000 bid to create a master plan for the park, at the corner of Exmouth and Christina Streets, on Monday.
Mayor Mike Bradley said the park is tired and needs to be upgraded.
"It has a high use with flag football, soccer, rugby and a lot of other interests," said Bradley. "So, this is the time now, I believe, to move this forward as we have done now, moving forward on Canatara and with Germain Park. Renewing those assets that were great when they were built, but over time have slid down what they are and now we need to make sure that we reinvest in them."
In a report to council, staff said advancing an overall master plan will be beneficial in creating a plan to continue to meet the community's recreation and sporting needs in the future.
"We were very lucky when the Alix family came forward and donated the money for the artificial turf there [in 2013]. I understand it's coming to the end of its life and it needs to be renewed. There's lots of other things in there that have been improved, but at this time we need an overall plan on how we're going to move this park forward in the next couple of years," he said.
During the 2023 season, over 1,000 hours of use were logged at the park's facilities.
Regular users, ranging in age from youth to seniors, also participate in football, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, and walking soccer.
If approved, staff said the background analysis and review work could start at the site in May, and community engagement would be done into June.
It's hoped a final plan could be ready before the end of the year.
The park was established as Sarnia's signature multi-use sports field in the 1920s.
It was named after Norm Perry, who played football for the Sarnia Imperials for eight seasons, leading the team to seven Ontario Rugby Football Union titles and one Grey Cup.
Perry, who died at the age of 53, was a Sarnia alderman and served as the city's 56th mayor.