The Lion’s Club of Oliver is planning to organize a barbecue for fruit pickers in Lion’s Park this summer. Shown here are Lions and Lioness Club representatives Joanne Bray (left) and Linda Schaffrick.
The Lions Park Action Committee has come up with a number of ideas that could ease the tension between migrant workers and local residents this summer.
Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan said the advocacy group has brainstormed some possible solutions to inappropriate park use by visitors and locals. Issues include an increase in drug/alcohol use, violence, illegal camping, littering and dogs off leash.
Sheridan said there will be an increase in bylaw enforcement this summer. For example, over 300 hours will be allocated to enforcing park rules, she pointed out.
They are also considering establishing a six-week ambassador program, where an individual will stroll the park and hand out information to migrant workers who will learn what is expected of them. The brochures will also point them in the right direction to fulfill their needs.
The committee has identified other strategies including: an off-leash dog area, Wi-Fi access, new signage, daily transportation to Loose Bay campground, more garbage and recycling receptacles, and feature stories in the local media. Sheridan hopes the daily trips to Loose Bay will curb overnight camping in Lions Park.
She said the Lions Club has offered to organize a St. Jean Baptiste Day barbecue on June 23-24 for all the French Canadian visitors. But members are now considering a multi-cultural event to include all migrants.
The hope is that these workers will use the park more responsibly, Sheridan said.
