Forrest Field Enhancement Society
Enhancing Forrest Field for Everyone
A community‑led nonprofit working with the Town of Ladysmith to deliver enhancements at Forrest Field that fall outside the Town’s current budget.
Our Mission
The Society formed from a coalition of Ladysmith Rotary, Kinsmen, Eagles, Lions, and Mid Island Soccer. We work with the Town of Ladysmith to enhance the Lot 108 / Forrest Field project.
- Replace aging structures and equipment
- Improve accessibility and safety
- Support lifelong outdoor recreation
Purpose Statement (Summary)
Our purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing of community members by promoting active, healthy outdoor living. We support top‑tier local outdoor recreation and sporting facilities that serve all age groups and diverse community needs. As part of the Lot 108 (Forrest Field) enhancement plan, we aim to assist with key improvements such as:
- Creating a wheelchair‑accessible walkway with outdoor accessible fitness equipment
- Constructing a walking trail with additional workout and activity stations
- Building a professionally engineered BMX bike park with designed ramps and features
- Developing a multi‑use outdoor lacrosse‑style arena suitable for lacrosse, floor/ball hockey, and basketball
- Adding new pickleball and tennis courts
- Enhancing the clubhouse with upgrades such as a fully accessible elevator and commercial kitchen/canteen equipment
- Supporting the purchase of sporting equipment for soccer, football, tennis, pickleball, lacrosse, basketball, ball hockey, and other sports
These enhancements will promote inclusive, active, healthy outdoor activities for all ages and abilities across Ladysmith and the surrounding central Vancouver Island region.
Current Priority: Playground Replacement
Project Overview
New equipment package quoted at $136,000 (plus base/prep) from Habitat Equipment, including ~6 components such as slides, climbing structures, and swings.
Why It Matters
Forrest Field is a key community recreation area. New equipment ensures safety, accessibility, and long‑term value to families.
Fundraising Feature: Major Raffle
A major raffle will raise funds toward the playground project. Max 1,200 tickets at $100 each; goal is ~$67,000 net for the project.
- Sea‑Doo Switch Sport 170 ($46,963 value)
- $3,000 travel voucher
- $2,500 tool package
- $500 spa certificate
Disclaimer: Odds of winning are 1 in 1200!
Future Phases of Development
The Society and the Town of Ladysmith are jointly planning long‑term improvements for the Lot 108 area.
- Perimeter Trail
- Outdoor Fitness Area
- Bike Skill Development Area
- Pickleball Courts
- Upper & South Parking Areas
- Practice Pitch
Final elements may evolve as the project progresses.
Contact & Updates
19 - 5150 Christie Rd.
Ladysmith BC V9G 1J2
Email: info@forrestfieldes.ca
More details and a full website coming soon.
Check out our facebook page
Board (2026)
- Chair: Kenneth R. Greig
- Vice Chair: Jason Kelland
- Treasurer: Jim Cram
- Secretary: Tonya Soules
- Director at Large: Rahul Sandhu
- Director at Large: Melanie Ingham