Peterborough is moving forward with plans to upgrade the Morrow Park Ball Diamond, turning the existing Level B field into a Premier/Level A facility. The improvements, expected to be completed in 2026, will include new dugouts, batting cages, fencing, irrigation, accessible bleachers, sports field lighting, and a rejuvenated asphalt parking lot.
While the sport continues to thrive, the city’s baseball community has had to adjust to a shrinking number of diamonds. Recent changes have seen the loss of fields at Northcrest, Bonnerworth, and multiple diamonds at Morrow Park, putting added pressure on existing spaces like Kinsmen, Riverside, and Bowers. The city previously committed to upgrading Riverside Park and East City Bowl, though those improvements have yet to happen.
Peterborough Baseball Association (PBA) President Clayton Wade says while the upgrades will be a welcome addition for local players, they don’t address the city’s ongoing shortage of ball diamonds. However, he says this is a big step in the right direction.
Over the past few years, several diamonds have been lost to city developments, including a new arena and incoming pickleball courts, leaving local teams often sharing fields or travelling outside Peterborough for practices and games. Wade notes that the city’s investment will make Morrow Park “gorgeous” and more enjoyable, but he hopes officials will consider adding more diamonds to meet growing demand.
Despite the loss of several key diamonds over the last few years, Wade says it was a very successful year for the PBA, capped off with the 8U team hosting the Ontario Baseball Association championship.
He says one solution for addressing the lack of diamonds in Peterborough would be to utilize the yards at local schools, something the PBA has already mentioned to the city.
The city is inviting residents to a public drop-in session on Wednesday, October 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Miskin Law Community Complex to learn more about the planned improvements. Residents can provide input on what amenities they want to see, either at the session or through an online survey open until October 7 at connectptbo.ca/morrow.
Wade says the PBA will be represented at the meeting and encourages community members to share their feedback.
The upgrades are part of a broader provincial investment in local sport facilities, with Ontario contributing $1 million through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. City officials say the improvements will extend the facility’s lifespan, enhance programming opportunities, and improve accessibility, ensuring Morrow Park remains a key recreational hub for years to come.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
