By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
Oliver’s newest park on Fairview Road will be designed with feedback from the public.
On Monday, Town council approved a recommendation to hold an open house to receive ideas from local residents on what they think Centennial Park should look like.
The Town is looking at a budget of approximately $207,000 to build the park, which is located between the library and the hike and bike trail.
Some of the recommendations since the original plan include bringing in fill to level the park to a higher elevation, and including a larger courtyard with a water feature.
There is also talk about incorporating pathways (concrete and paving stones) and a bike rack, with possibly an area to repair bikes.
The plan calls for removing all of the existing trees and planting new ones.
The Town is also considering an idea suggested by the Oliver & District Heritage Society, which recommends mounting a sculpture in the park rather than a water feature.
Morhun said water features only operate seasonally and are problematic and costly in terms of vandalism and maintenance. She noted a sculpture that honours the Okanagan fishery and heritage would be an ideal feature in the park, bringing people together.
On Monday, Councillor Dave Mattes raised a concern about the cost, saying one option previously discussed was $65,000.
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said once you start bringing in fill, you’re looking at tens of thousands of dollars.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said he likes the idea of a bicycle repair station but is worried about vandalism, referring to these stations having tools at the end of cords.
Mayor Ron Hovanes suggested making the park features non-conducive to skateboarding. He also likes the idea of a statue but said that could be very expensive.
“First and foremost is establishing the park.”
It was noted the park would be funded by development cost charges. Currently, there is approximately $700,000 in this fund.
