The new skate park in Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park in the Hart may have started something in the city.
At last night’s Talktober event in College Heights, Chris Stringer, speaking on behalf of a group, proposed a multi-use space be developed in Malaspina Park.
“What we would like to see is an initial development begin next spring. Maybe a good first step for that would be some reinvestment into the old tennis court, which is our skating rink, as well as the dog park.”
Eventually, they hope the park would also include a skate and BMX park.
The suggestion was music to City Parks Planner Laurie-Ann Kosec’s ears.
“What we heard, loud and clear is that, not only are these fellows looking for a bike park, skate park, dog park – they’re looking for a destination in College Heights that they don’t have right now. We want to do that. We’re starting one in the Hart with the new skate park. We want to do that here.”
She says a group of concerned, committed citizens can make all the difference.
“This group is very keen to work with fundraisers and the city to make it happen. We’re asking people, it doesn’t matter who, to go online and check out the parks strategy. Give us your feedback because working with people and finding out what they want – this is how we make things happen.”
Stringer and his group had been kicking the idea around for a while and recently began reaching out to their community on social media.
“We have 230 members on our Facebook page so far and we met with Councillor Skakun as well last week. This [proposal] falls in with the city’s parks strategy and the area we were looking at looks like it’s been earmarked for development.”
Stringer says he was encouraged by what he heard from the City and is keen to take the next steps on.
“We’ve talked with Jason Laurie from the College Heights Community Association and we’re looking for support from them and then we’ll approach the Rotary Club for support as well.”
Kosec encourages anyone with an idea, concern or opinion to take part in the discussion around the future of the city’s parks.
“Come on out to Talktober. We want to hear from people. It’s really important we hear what their priorities are for parks because once this plan is finalized then we’re going to forge ahead and make things happen.”
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