Nestled behind the soccer fields at Mahon Park and Carson Graham secondary lies one of the prettiest ball parks in the Lower Mainland. Protected from plain sight by tall trees, Chris Zuehlke Park is a true gem among North Vancouver historical sites.

But the park won't be a well-kept secret much longer. Long after the Olympics are gone, the City of North Vancouver will play host to another big event — the 2011 Canadian Little League Championships. District 5 got the nod in early spring after winning over B.C. Little League brass with their presentation.

But before District 5 welcomes their fellow Canadian boys of summer to North Vancouver, the field will undergo a facelift. While the extent of the renovations is currently undetermined, North Vancouver Central Baseball Association president Bob Fontaine already has his own wish list.

"In the future the park will probably include lighting," Fontaine said. "We'll probably look at extending the field. When you have a national championship game, the level of play is a bit higher. Right now (the park's home run fence) is at 200 (feet). We might put it to 215 (feet)."

The park, which was originally carved out in 1951, was the home field for the North Vancouver JC's. It was renamed in the mid-70's after Chris Zuehlke, a well-rounded athlete, who died from a fluke rugby injury.

"From what I understand, Chris Zuehlke played, coached, and umpired for North Vancouver Central," Fontaine said.

While there hasn't been a formal announcement, Fontaine says some funding arrangements have been made with the City of North Vancouver for the renovations. District 5 also receives sponsorship funding from local businesses including Sussex Insurance who Fontaine says are a major sponsor.

"We are also raising part of the money ourselves for the upgrades," Fontaine said. "Some of our revenue comes from our concession stand which is open all year round."

Perhaps even more of a local institution than the park itself is the star attraction of the concession stand, the legendary Zuehlke burger, often made by Fontaine himself.

"It's our caramelized onions made with coke and vinegar, and the meat patty and wiener on the bun," Fontaine said, of the secret behind the popularity of the burger.

District 5 administrator Wayne Hobson says it's premature to discuss the scope of the renovations project as no formal plans have been drawn up and no permits have been obtained from the City of North Vancouver. However Hobson is optimistic about the outcome of the project.

"Any upgrades done to the park will enhance the area," Hobson said.

Meanwhile the city may stand to benefit financially from the week-long tournament in August of 2011. According to Hobson, revenue from the Canadian Little League Championships in Whalley a few year back was close to $80,000.