Nestled just north of Toronto, Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a vibrant city known for its blend of urban growth and green spaces. With a rich history dating back to its founding in the late 18th century, the city has grown into a bustling community that values its recreational facilities, like Crosby Park. This local gem, home to ball fields and community gatherings, recently faced a challenge that required a tailored solution to keep its visitors safe.
The City approached us earlier this year with a unique request: design and install a custom netting barrier at Crosby Park to prevent foul balls and home runs from reaching an adjacent parking lot. This wasn’t a straightforward task, as the site presented several challenges that demanded creativity and precision.
In addition to the fact that the parking lot was uncomfortably close to the ball field, increasing the risk of stray balls damaging vehicles or endangering pedestrians, we were also met with soil composition challenges at the site as well. As it turned out, the site’s soil lacked stability, which would end up complicating the anchoring process for the netting barrier that needed to follow an L-shaped configuration, requiring specialized Side Walk Guy Anchors to ensure structural integrity.
The City enlisted a landscape architect to help guide the design of this custom netting barrier, a partnership we’ve successfully navigated on numerous other projects over the years. Our experience working with landscape architects on custom netting solutions allowed us to align our technical expertise with the City’s vision for a safe and aesthetically pleasing barrier.
Together, our design and estimating team conducted a thorough site assessment, gathering critical details to inform our approach. We carefully integrated the L-shaped layout, Side Walk Guy Anchors, and a combination of new and existing poles into the design. After calculating costs, we submitted a detailed quotation, which the City promptly approved.
Following the approval, our skilled installation team brought the project to life, constructing a robust 50’ high x 240’ long netting barrier. This solution effectively shields the parking lot and pedestrians from stray softballs, ensuring safety without compromising the park’s functionality or appeal.
The completed netting barrier at Crosby Park stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering tailored solutions for unique challenges. By collaborating with the City of Richmond Hill and their architect, we’ve enhanced the safety of this beloved community space, allowing players and visitors to enjoy the game worry-free.
We’re proud to have contributed to the ongoing vitality of Richmond Hill’s recreational landscape and look forward to future opportunities to serve communities with innovative custom netting solutions.