McCann Field May Be Site for Soccer Program
By Ryan Schlehuber

McCann baseball field in St. Ignace may be the site of city youth soccer programs in the future, as city recreation officials attempt to find a use for the field.

Members of the St. Ignace Recreation Advisory Committee, at a meeting Wednesday, October 10, discussed the possibility of creating soccer fields in place of the weathered baseball field on McCann Street, since bleachers facing the football field stand in the shallow outfield, obstructing baseball play and posing a safety hazard for players.

Installing soccer fields will allow the bleachers to remain where they are, and give residents the opportunity to play soccer whenever they want, as the nets would remain on the field, except in winter.

City workers found it difficult to move the bleachers for baseball games. Baseball games have been played at LaSalle High School's two diamonds for the past few years, while McCann field remained idle. City youth soccer games are played in the outfields of LaSalle High School's baseball diamonds.

The committee will further discuss the idea at its next meeting in November.

Long-term membership rates and business and household group rates at the fitness center will be kept the same for 2008, the committee agreed. The committee raised some fitness center rates last month, including daily, monthly membership, and senior citizen membership rates, although discounts for Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians members and local residents remain unchanged.

The regular long-term membership rate for six months is $150, and $300 for 12 months. For seniors, it is $100 for six months and $200 for 12 months.

Business and household group membership rates are as follows:

• 2 to 5 members: six months, $100; 12 months, $200

• 6 to 10 members: six months, $90; 12 months, $180

• 11 to 20 members: six months, $80; 12 months, $160

• 20+ members: six months, $70; 12 months, $140

Next July's Red Hacker outdoor basketball tournament at Little Bear East Arena's parking lot will coincide with the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce's mud run, said Recreation Coordinator Erica Mattson, and Red Hacker participants may be offered an admission discount to the mud run.