Have you completed the Parks Plan survey? Your opinion counts – and there’s still time to share your thoughts.
The City of Campbell River’s public survey runs from Oct. 10-22, asking for feedback on the Parks Strategic Plan.
Access the survey online on the city’s homepage (www.campbellriver.ca) or pick up a paper copy at the Community Centre, Sportsplex or the Parks Office at 385 South Dogwood St.
Campbell River’s 10-year Strategic Parks Plan was completed in 2006, and the city is conducting a mid-point check-in.
“Through the full public consultation process at that time, citizens made it clear that parks and greenspaces were important to them and that they would be willing to invest more public funds into the system to fund improvements,” says Lynn Wark, the City’s parks project supervisor.
“Input then brought about a $50 Parks Parcel Tax to direct towards parks improvements.”
In the first five years of the plan, parcel tax funds allowed the parks department to attract partner funding from senior government grants and community groups.
“More than 55 per cent of the funding that went into Campbell River parks improvements under this plan came from partner funding, and that let us complete many improvements sooner,” Wark adds. “Many of these improvements have been done in partnership with community groups who have contributed labour.”
Campbell River parks improvements since 2006 were based on community priorities and have included: sportsfield upgrades such as improved infields and replacement of bleachers, playground replacements, trail development, more washrooms and litter bins in parks, tennis court improvements, and the addition of an outdoor lacrosse box, splash park and community garden to name a few.
Have these improvements enhanced our parks and community?
Do you visit parks more as a result?
These are some of the questions the city would like answered in the public survey.
The next five years of the plan calls for additional improvements such as completion of undeveloped waterfront parks, addition of dog parks, completion of the Greenways Loop trail and more improvements to sportsfields.
The survey also asks if these are still community priorities, or are there better ways to improve Campbell River parks?
Community suggestions for parks improvements that have arisen since 2006 include: an artificial turf field at Robron Park, disc golf course expansion, more community gardens and Nunns Creek Park improvements.
Have your say! Participate in the public survey, and help the city update the plan for the next five years.
For more information, call the parks department at 250-286-7275.