Ladysmith has finalized a signage policy for its sports field that gives local clubs an opportunity to promote sponsors, and in the process, help raise more funds to expand opportunities for youth.
The Ladysmith Baseball Association approached the town about putting together a sponsorship signage program at Aggie Hall a few months ago ahead of this year’s season.
“The group was just looking to get an answer on whether they can or can’t be selling these advertising boards this year,” said Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Postings.
Sign advertisements have existed at Little League Park has for several years and maintained by the baseball association.
As part of the new policy, four foot by eight foot signs will be permitted on the outfield fence at Holland Creek Ball Park and Aggie Sports Fields in addition to the High Street park.
“They all have to be the same size, the location has been approved for only in the outfield in the baseball areas…it’s no other areas within the sport fields,” said Postings.
Mid-Isle Soccer are among the users groups at Forrest Field interested in sponsorship signage.
“The Mid-Isle Soccer Club is excited about the possibilities of recognizing our sponsors at our main playing field. We plan to use removable signage to be put up during our Monday Club Academy sessions when our entire Club is at the field, as well as on weekends, when we have games running all day Saturdays and Sundays,” said club vice president Mike Rankin.
“It’s a great opportunity for our sponsors to connect with our over 400 players and their families, not to mention the visiting teams and their supporters. We think it’s a win-win all around.”
The town has specified the location that’s been designated for signage is across from the changeroom on the four foot high fence and not at the ends.
Postings said the town would be prepared to work with users groups if signage begins to take away from the aesthetics of the field.
“They would be responsible for maintaining it in an orderly manner in a way that’s appropriate,” Postings said.
No signs are allowed to promote gambling, drugs, tobacco or alcohol or trademarks, political material, adult entertainment or graphics or wording that is offensive or discriminatory.
They also must be aimed at spectators, rather than at passing traffic, and produced to a high standard.
Coun. Steve Arnett said the teams had already started playing games and he was conscious of implementing the policy fairly quickly.
“It looks like it’s fair, it takes care of aesthetics and it doesn’t unduly impinge on what really is their primary focus and that’s to give kids an opportunity to get out there and play,” he said.