07/15/2026
Dear Sooke Minor Fastball Association Families,
We are reaching out today to ask for your support on an important issue that could have a significant impact on the future of Art Morris Park.
As many of you know, the District of Sooke is currently advancing plans for the proposed Throup Connector, a transportation project intended to improve traffic flow and connectivity throughout our growing community.
The Sooke Minor Fastball Association supports the Throup Connector. We recognize that Sooke needs improved transportation infrastructure, and we understand the importance of planning for our community's future.
However, we also believe there is an opportunity to support a design that protects Art Morris Park while allowing the connector to move forward.
Based on the information presented to Council on July 13, the current proposed road corridor could have significant impacts on several important recreational amenities, including:
Diamond 1
Diamond 2
The Diamond 1 outfield parking area
The pickleball courts
For 80 years, Art Morris Park has been a cornerstone of recreation in Sooke. It has been home to generations of softball players and continues to serve hundreds of youth and families every season.
The park that exists today has been built through decades of volunteer effort, fundraising, grants, generous local sponsors, and community partnerships. Thousands of volunteer hours have gone into developing and maintaining the facility, all with one goal—to provide a safe, welcoming place for children and families to play the game they love.
As our community continues to grow, we need both transportation infrastructure and recreational infrastructure. We believe those objectives can and should be achieved together.
Sooke should not lose valuable recreational space without a clear and funded plan to preserve or replace it. Recreation facilities are just as important to a healthy and vibrant community as transportation infrastructure, and we believe both objectives can and should be achieved.
At this stage, we are asking Council to continue exploring options that minimize the impacts to Art Morris Park while allowing the Throup Connector project to move forward.
How You Can Help
The District of Sooke Council will be considering this matter at its next Regular Council Meeting:
?? Monday, July 27, 2026
?? 6:00 PM
?? District of Sooke Council Chambers
We are asking our softball community to attend the meeting and show Council how important Art Morris Park is to Sooke.
A strong turnout of players, parents, grandparents, coaches, volunteers, alumni, and supporters will demonstrate just how important these facilities are to our community and to future generations.
We are also looking for a few members who would be willing to speak during the public input portion of the meeting. If you are comfortable speaking for just two or three minutes about what Art Morris Park has meant to your family, or why these facilities are important to our community, we would love to hear from you.
Learn More
We encourage everyone to review the information presented to Council regarding the Throup Connector project and to watch the July 13 Council meeting discussion if you have the opportunity. This information is available through the District of Sooke website.
This is one of the most important issues our association has faced in many years.
This is not about stopping the Throup Connector. It is about finding the right balance between improving transportation and protecting a community asset that has served Sooke families for 80 years.
Together, we have built something truly special at Art Morris Park. With your support, we can help ensure the Throup Connector moves forward in a way that also protects one of Sooke's most valued recreational facilities for today's families and for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support of the Sooke Minor Fastball Association.
Sincerely,
Sooke Minor Fastball Executive
