Accessible upgrades to Cambridge baseball diamond hit funding challenge

Kin 1 diamond at Riverside Park was photographed on July 22, 2025. (Krista Simpson/CTV News)

City of Cambridge councillors are considering stepping up to the plate after the city did not receive funding they were hoping to use for accessibility upgrades at a baseball diamond.

Last fall, council approved a plan for a series of improvements to the Kin 1 diamond at Riverside Park, which is used by a growing adaptive baseball program that’s been advocating for change.

Rory Small is one of the athletes that plays in Buddy League.

“I get to go in the outfield and play with my friends,” he tells CTV News.

Rory is one of more than 115 participants in Buddy League this year. However, some of those athletes find even just getting to the diamond a challenge.

“A lot of athletes do come here in their wheelchairs,” says Monica Small, Rory’s mother. “There is not a clear path, it’s actually gravel. And so a lot of the wheelchairs will get stuck.”

The space also lacks accessible washrooms, the infield can be difficult to navigate and the dugouts are narrow.

Last fall, Cambridge council voted to move ahead with a list of upgrades including pathways, better bleachers, an artificial turf infield, accessible dugouts and accessible washrooms.

“Making sure that it is fully accessible and fully inclusive is really, really valuable and really most important for ensuring that everybody can get off the sidelines and into the game,” Cam Linwood, league co-ordinator for Buddy League, said.

The promised upgrades come at an estimated cost of $3,025,000. The city had hoped about half of that cost would be covered through grants and donations. However, the city’s application to the Jays Care Foundation was unsuccessful.

City staff are now recommending the entire amount be funded through debt, in hopes of keeping the timeline on track, even as they continue to explore other sources of donations.

“It is an investment within the community and within the people that live here,” Small said.

Linwood added that the changes will benefit the community as a whole.

“This is really that chance to be that welcoming space. Not only is it a facility that we can use as Buddy League, but the entire community can use.”

Linwood noted that the project is largely inspired by an accessible diamond in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, that is used by all players, and not just those with disabilities.

The city of Cambridge has also launched a fundraising campaign encouraging private donations from residents, groups and businesses.

Small urged anyone interested in donating to come and see what Buddy League is all about.

“Hang out with us. Just spend some time with us. I’m telling you, you’ll fall in love with the sport. You’re going to fall in love with the athletes, and you’re going to fall in love with this community.

”Work to make the washrooms accessible is expected to start soon. Field improvements could begin after the end of this baseball season and be finished by summer 2026.