Lion’s Park is one green space slated for enhancement in the Park Improvement Plan.
Oliver Parks and Recreation Society chair Shiela Lange says they have reached a big milestone with the adoption of the Park Improvement Plan (PIP).
Lange expressed her excitement on January 18 when the board adopted the ambitious 10-year plan that will see Oliver’s parks significantly enhanced.
All parks will see bathroom upgrades, new off-leash dog areas, playground upgrades, and a reduction in water use and labour costs (maintenance). In addition, there is a move to curtail smoking by considering a bylaw that prohibits the act near playgrounds and food vendors.
Recreation manager Carol Sheridan said there are so many cigarette butts in local parks and no bylaw to regulate outdoor smoking.
“Lots of communities have passed this bylaw, but enforcement is an issue,” she said.
That’s why the PIP suggests the installation of cigarette butt urns in problem areas.
The plan identifies Lions Park as priority park #1.
The issues:
Dog control, loitering, maintenance, and conflicts between existing facilities (skatepark vs basketball court).
The solutions:
A new off-leash dog area (for both large and small canines) at north end of park; limb up trees to provide better sight lines into the park; solicit more food vendors; establish a “park charter” of rules; expand skatepark and eliminate BMX area; and construct a new nature-based playground at the south end of the park.
Sheridan said other ideas include building a new washroom facility near the visitor centre, upgrade/change entrance to the park, make it more wheelchair accessible, move the basketball court north, and erect a swing gate at the park entrance.
The community park is priority #2.
The issues:
Maintenance, lack of shade, upgrades, off-leash area, and lack of hard court area.
The solutions:
Upgrade ball diamonds, plant more trees, install additional power outlets, move the off-leash dog area north of the tennis courts, and enlarge the hard court to include pickleball.
Sheridan said having the existing off-leash area in ball diamonds 4 and 5 is not a good location.
“We’re trying to promote diamonds 4 and 5, but allowing dogs to do their business there really doesn’t make sense. We’re taking an investment and letting dogs pee on it.”
Rotary Beach is priority park #3.
The issues:
Geese, unused park area, not enough picnic tables, accessibility, poorly defined swimming area, and upgrades.
The solutions:
Create natural barrier between water’s edge and grass/riparian area, motion sprinklers, continue egg addling, introduce paddling centre with dock, establish more picnic tables, make park wheelchair accessible, establish water slide and buoys, and plant green roof on bathroom facility.
Sheridan said Rotary Park is really the “hidden gem” within Oliver’s park system.
But she admitted that Rotary is not very accessible and its entranceway leaves something to be desired.
“Trying to get into the park is a nightmare (for some people),” she said, noting they would like to look at a ramp system and a larger staircase.
Sheridan also stated that the west side of the park is unused and a lot of labour is expended to maintain it . . . for nothing.
She pointed out the swimming area needs to be more defined for the public. Ideas include a small slide for children and a raft to swim out to.
“We want to create more fun things for residents and visitors.”
Sheridan said she is really excited to capitalize on a paddling/boating centre in the park (unused area), where people can launch non-motorized watercraft and take part in clinics.
She said there is a perception that the water in Tucelnuit Lake is dirty, but it gets tested every week.
The Kinsmen splash park is priority #4.
The issues:
Maintenance and upgrades
The solutions:
Replace fencing on north side, consider removing or replacing unsafe trees, pave the parking lot, upgrade the washroom with power, and improve the entranceway.
Sheridan said the board hopes to implement components of the PIP over the years as the budget and funding permit.
By Lyonel Doherty
