~ ~ ~ ~ Agenda Item # Page # ll To: I CHAIR I AND MEMBERS BOARD OF CONTROL MEETING ON AUGUST 26,2009 I I VICTOR A. COTE GENERAL MANAGER OF FINANCE AND ~. CORPORATE - SERVICES -~ _ ~ _ AND ACTING CIS TREASURER 11 SUBJECT 1 RENAMING OF LDBA BASEBALL FIELD TO DAN PULHAM MEMORIAL FIELD RECOMMENDATION That, on the recommendation of the General Manager of Finance and Corporate Services and Acting City Treasurer, the request from the London District Baseball Association to rename the LDBA Baseball Field (an element of the Stoneybrook Recreation Fields) to the Dan Pulham Memorial Field BE APPROVED. PREVIOUS REPORTS PERTINENT TO THIS MATTER 11 I I1 None. II BACKGROUND I1 The attached request dated June 11, 2009 from the London District Baseball Association (LDBA) has been considered in accordance with Council Policy 3(7), being the NaminglRe-naming or Dedicating of Municipal Property, Buildings and Park Elements Policy. Included with the request is a biography for Mr. Dan Pulham, the individual after whom they wish to rename the LDBA Baseball Field, as well as letters of support from the following individuals/organizations: Doug Kenyon, on behalf of the Southwest London Optimist Baseball Association; Bill Sevier, friend and fellow baseball volunteer; Gary Calvert, friend and fellow baseball volunteer; David Ramsdale, fellow baseball and 2001 Canada Games volunteer; Cherie Ansems. President, Dorchester Boys Minor Baseball; Daryl Landuyt, President, Eager Beaver Baseball Association; David Keays, on behalf of Oakridge Optimist Baseball Association; Roop Chanderdat, Co-owner, General Manager & Field Manager, London Majors Baseball; Steve Ford, Vice President, St. Thomas Minor Baseball Association; and Nate Renzella, former minor baseball player. The attached communication dated July 14. 2009 from B. Page, Planner, Parks Planning and Design, indicating that Planning staff have no issues with the renaming of the LDBA Baseball Field to the Dan Pulham Memorial Field. Further, the attached communication from D. N. Stanlake, Manager of Subdivisions and Special Projects, confirms that the Municipal Addressing Advisory Group approves the use of the name Dan Pulham Memorial Field for the LDBA Baseball Field. It should also be noted that LDBA has indicated that it has received permission from the familyof Dan Pulham for the renaming of LDBA Baseball Field in his memory.
-2- If the renaming request is approved by the Municipal Council, it is the intent of the LDBA to officially announce the renaming to its membership at its Annual General Meeting to be held in early December 2009. It is also anticipated that the LDBA will hold a small ceremony, prior to the 2010 baseball season, likely around the Victoria Day weekend, in recognition of the renaming. ACTING CITY CLERK MANAGER OF FINANCE AND SERVICES AND ACTING CITY Attachments
From: joseph.r.oneill-., AQenda Item # p Sent: Thursday, lune 11,2009 6:44 PM To: ( cc: s iom Subject: City Clerk's Office - Rename LDBA Park Dear Sirs, Pursuant to Policy Statement 3(7A) Appendix to NaminglRe-naming or dedicating of Municipal property, Buildings and park Elements Policy. I hereby provide the information necessaty for the City of London to approve and administer the process to rename LDBA Park as Dan Pulham Memorial Field. My name is Joe ONeill. l am the duly elected president of The London &District Baseball Association (LDBA). I am submitting this application at the request and upon the approval of the members of the LDBA, who unanimously supported this initiative at the LDBA Annual General Meeting held on Sunday December 7, 2008. The LDBA is one of 19 affiliates of the Ontario Baseball Association and represents ail the baseball players and associations in London and area, affiliated with Baseball Canada. Last season the LDBA had 3,604 registered players ranging in age from 4 years to 72 years old. Dan was the President of the LDBA immediately prior to me, from 1998 to 2006. i expect he would stili be the President of the LDBA, were it not for the fact that in 2006 he was diagnosed with cancer which, despite a significant fight, took Dan from us July 2, 2008. I can confirm that we have received permission from the family of Dan Pulham for the re-naming of LDBA Park in his memory. For your reference, I have attached a brief Biography of Dan Pulham: Our organization's request is based on the contributions Dan made over his adult life time to minor sports in London, specifically baseball. Our request is presented to recognize the contributions Dan made to baseball in London and by extension to the development of youth in our community. I personaily worked with Dan as a volunteer from the time I moved to London in 1993, primarily in minor baseball but also in minor hockey. Dan was what one would desire in a community volunteer. He worked tirelessly to organize, develop and improve baseball in our community for the sheer satisfaction having made a difference in the lives of young athletes. The small recognition he received over the years was well deserved but never expected nor asked. He did it as he felt he owed those who had come before him to do it for the kids and he realized that if he didn't contribute, there might not be anyone available to contribute at his level, He was a valuable member of Baseball Ontario and was recognized as volunteer of the year in 2002 We believe that re-naming LDBA Park, Dan Pulham Memorial Field, will serve as a permanent reminder to all our volunteers and community organizers of the immeasurable value of community volunteerism and the reasons we get involved in minor sports. This recognition will be a fitting tribute to one of London's greatest community volunteers. In initiative. of our application, we have attached a number of letters and memos in Support Of this I can also acknowledge that the Parks and Recreation department of the City of London is also in support of this initiative. Please contact Scott Stafford for reference. Please acknowledge of receipt of this e-mail and advise if there is any further information you need to proceed with our request. Should our application be approved it is our desire to conduct a small but meaningful ceremony to re-name the park. Yours Truly,,. Joe O'Neill President London 8 District Baseball Association 51 9-640-801 2
Agenda Item # pa e El& Biography of Dan Pulham A wise man once said, I turn to the sports pages first because they are a record of a man s accomplishments, while the front page only records a man s failures. It is fitting that the sports pages are where we can find the accomplishments of a man who came and touched so many people in the London sports community and left us far too soon. For so many people who organize and play the game of baseball in the City of London, The name Dan Pulham meant fairness and sportsmanship. He was a tireless volunteer and administrator who always had time to listen to concems and ideas. In a 2005 London Free Press article acknowledging the top 25 most influential sports people in the city, Dan Pulham was among those people listed. Born September 28, 1948, Dan Pulham attended Aberdeen P.S. and G.A. Wheable S.S., where he played many different sports. He was employed at the University of Western Ontario for 39 years. He played Eager Beaver Baseball for the Senators, and began coaching in the association in the early 1980s. Dan held many positions within EBBA. The positions he held ranged from scheduler, umpire, equipment manager, coach, director, to president. In 1989 when Dan Pulham became EBBA president, he was one of only two men who at that time, had played in the organization and later became president. Dan later sat on the board of directors of the London District Baseball Association, serving as vice-president and then as LDBA president from 1998-2006 Dan s coaching experiences were far too many to list. He coached in the Eager Beaver Baseball Association, was an original coach and organizer of the London Badger Baseball program, and was very recognizable as the coach of the Junior Hornets. In 1998 Dan coached the St. Thomas Tomcats to the OBA Junior C title. Pulham was named London Sportsperson of the Year in 2001, Volunteer of the Year by Baseball Ontario in 2002, and he was inducted into the LDBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
The long list of Dan s achievements and contributions to the game of baseball in the City of London could only be surpassed or equaled by a similar list of achievements and contributions he made to the game of hockey in this community. The London Minor Hockey Association has re-named one of their annual tournaments, the Dan Pulham Memorial Tournament. Dan Pulham passed away on July 2,2008 and left behind his wife of nearly 38 years, Jackie, a son Casey, a daughter Christine, and a granddaughter Brooke. If a man s life isn t measured by years alone, but by his accomplishments and what he has left behind for future generations to enjoy, then Dan Pulham s nearly 60 years were as long and full as they could possibly be.
Support for renaming LDBA Park to the Dan Pulham Memorial Field On behalf of the Southwest London Optimist Baseball Association, we are please to add our strong endorsement in support of renaming LDBA Park to the Dan Pulham Memorial Field. It can truly be said of Dan that he served as president of LDBA for many years. A label used to describe the behaviour of leaders like Dan is servant leadership. He consistently demonstrated characteristics of listening, empathy, awareness, persuasion, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of others, and building community. Dan s focus was always for the good of the game and the kids on the diamonds. Personally speaking, I served as the LDBA Representative for the Southwest London Optimist Baseball Association from 2003 to 2007. Dan was always very respectful of me, the red faced rookie who didn t know anything, except that he was there to honestly represent his association s interests. For me and every association representative Dan always ensured we had an opportunity to ppeak. Dan knew how to pick up a phone and work out an issue, striking a balance between the letber of the law, and the interests and concerns of real people in complex situations. He was particularly skilled at striking a balance between controlling a meeting and guiding it while inviting participation from all corners. He seemed to have a knack of bringing a discussion to an end at the appropriate time, without stepping on people s toes. Dan could always be counted on for honest and direct feedback... but he always did it with respectful authority. The health and relatively strong collegial relationships that all LDBA associations enjoy with each other is attributable in large part to the example, management and guidance provided by past and current LDBA leadership, especially Dan. Dan, Southwest London Optimist Baseball salutes you and is thankful for the opportunity to remember your memory in the renaming of LDBA Park to the Dan Polham Memorial Park. Sincerely Doug Kenyon
DAN PULHAM I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE KNOWN, AND WORKED WITH DAN AS A BASEBALL VOLUNTEER FOR MANY YEARS. I WOULD DESCRIBE HIM AS THE ULTIMATE NEVER SAY NO VOLUNTEER. HE WOULD TAKE ON ANYTHING, AND EVERYTHING, TO PROVIDE BASEBALL IN THE LONDON AND SURROUNDING AREAS, WHEREVER THERE WERE GAPS. HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN STARTING UP THE THAMES VALLEY SENIOR LEAGUE, TO FILL A GAP FOR THE 21 TO 30 AGE GROUP. HE STEPPED UP TO TAKE ON THE HEAD COACH POSITION FOR A COMBINED NORTH LONDONlOAKRlDGE JUVENILE TEAM, THE HORNETS, WHEN NEITHER ASSOCIATION HAD ENOUGH PLAYERS TO FIELD A TEAM. HE CONTINUED COACHING THIS TEAM AS JUNIORS WHEN THE JUVENILE CATEGORY WAS DROPPED, AND WAS ESPECIALLY PROUD WHEN THE HORNETS WERE SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EXHIBITION GAME DURING THE NAMING CERIMONIES FOR THE NORM ALDRIDGE FIELD. I I KNOW HE WOULD BE HONOURED TO HAVE L.D.B.A. STADIUM RENAMED IN HIS MEMORY. NO ONE WAS MORE DESERVING. HE IS SORELY MISSED. I AM HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED HIS FRIEND. BILL SEVIER
rflf1 Agenda Item # Pa e # I met Dan over 10 years ago when I was managing the St.Thomas Jr Tomcats in the I.C.B.L.. Without another coaches he stepped up and offered his help. I didn't realize that he was on the LDBA exec., Manager of the Jr Hornets, and did the scheduling of Minor baseball among other things. He never missed a game. He soon became my eriend, teacher and role model. His main priorities were to help the kids become better players along with giving them the opportunity to play sports and be better men. When Dan came to St. Thomas to help he not only helped me and the kids he also saw an opportunity for London kids to come and play baseball in St. Thomas. Dan never asked for praise or anything in return, he just wanted to help. I along with a lot of kids, have been blessed to have met Dan. I along with a lot of people believe that it would be only fitting that LDBA Park be changed to the Dan Pulham Memorial Field were he devoted so much time and effort to the love of the game. The true definition of a volunteer is Dan Pulham. Gary Calvert,
~ Hi loe: I am in favour of this. Having known Dan for about 10 years and working with him at the 2001 Canada Games, LDBA Executive and being part of honoring him as Volunteer of the year for Baseball Ontario at the AGM in 2002, this is a very good representation of a person that gave a tremensous amount to the community, even long after his kids had passed through the system, thanks David Ramsdale
Hi Joe We at Dorchester think that having LDBA park renamed Dan Pulman Memorial park a great idea. It makes a general statement regarding persons involved in baseball recognizable. Sincerely Cherie Ansems President Dorchester Boys Minor Baseball
Good afternoon Joe, Since Dan was a member of EBBA for a number of years before moving to LDBA we are 100% behind the naming LDBA in memory of Dan. Please let me know if you need anything further. Daryl LanduytBComm DivisionDirector 300-254 Pd Mzll St. LondonONN6A 5P6 Ph.1-519-679-8993 Fa. 519-438-2212 Website.www.investorgrouplondon.com A referral is a huge respnsib&ty. It is ako the highest compliment a client can give pu, and should never be taken lightly. Refed are always appreciated; new clients welcome.
Agenda WlKl Item # Pa e # The renaming of L.D.B.A. park has the support of the entire board membership from the Oakridge Optimist Baseball Association. I t gives me great pleasure to pass along to you the sentiments shared by everyone from our association who knew Dan.Personally. I had many meetings with Dan on and off the field. He was a great guy.dan was always willing to help with a problem, was always fair and his continuing goal was only for the betterment of baseball in London. Dan often spoke about the kids and what would be in their best interest first and I truly feel to name this ball park in his honour would be a fitting tribute. David Keays
Hi Joe, AOenda Item # Pa e # FIG1 Just to add our support to have LDBA Park named after Dan Pulham Regards, Roop Chanderdat Co-owner, General Manager 8, Field Manager London Majors Baseball (519) 870-2727 roop@londonmajors.com www.londonmajors.com,..... -...
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9 London, CANAOA Memo,.. To: Linda Rowe Acting City Clerk From: Bruce Page Date: July 14, 2009 RE: Renaming of the London & District Baseball Association Baseball Field Further to your memo to Andrew Macpherson regarding a request to rename the LDBA Park to Dan Pulham Memorial Field please be advised that the LDBA baseball field or baseball diamond is just one component of Stoneybrook Recreational Fields. The Park also contains a soccer pitch, 2 additional baseball diamonds and a tennis court. Given the park contains these additional amenities, it does not appear appropriate to rename the entire park, however, staff have no issues with the renaming the LDBA baseball diamond to the Dan Pulham Memorial Field in recognition of this great Londoner. Bruce Page Planner - Parks Planning and Design bp y \shared\parksplanninq\parkfiles\p-i I 3 stoneybrook recreational fields\park renaming request doc 300 Dufferin Avenue - Room 609 IP.0. Box 5035 I London ON N6A 4L9 I (519) 6614980 I www.london.ca
Agenda Item # Page # p7lpitl London CANADA July 7, 2009 L. M. Rowe City of London (3' Floor) 300 Oufferin Ave. London, ON, N6A 4L9 Dear Ms. Rowe RE: Renaming of Stoneybrook Recreation Field to Dan Pulham Memorial Field In response to your correspondence of June 22, 2009, this letter confirms that the park name listed below has been approved for use. Park Name: Dan Pulham Memorial Field I trust that the approval of this park name is satisfactory. If you have any questions on this matter, please contact Brian Nagata at (519) 661-2500 Ext.5357 DSlbn Copy: File 00STR16 C. Koteles. Planning - Division A. Macpherson Y\Shared!sub8spec\Park Renaming\Stoneybrook Recreation Field\Park Name Approval letterdoc The CorDoration of the City of London Office: 51 9-661 -4980 Direct Line: 519-661-2500 EX!. 4549 ~ Fax: 519-661-5397 dstanlake@london.ca w.london.ca