The $495,000 "destination park" that District of Squamish planning staff envisioned in January is back on track thanks to a $375,000 Towns for Tomorrow grant, but because of delays in receiving grant confirmation, construction will be delayed until spring 2012.
According to planner Elaine Naisby, who has used her landscape architect's skills to design most of the park redevelopment, it would be more efficient and prudent to build the entire park in one phase.
"We want to build the entire park in one phase in spring/summer 2012 to ensure co-ordination in design, construction efficiencies and limited park closures," explained Naisby.
Although council was reluctant to wait another year to redevelop the park, most councillors saw the merits of waiting and wanted to hear more details about the proposed changes.
Naisby said there were a few modifications to the design since the last time it was presented. Those included moving the children and adult reading circles and the climbing boulder to different areas of the park.
She also mentioned including a low fence around the playground for safety, lights along the walkway and concrete pads for the picnic tables to ensure easy stroller access. Those items are possible within the budget thanks to budget savings identified by Naisby totalling around $35,000.
"If more savings are found we would add a cultural monument somewhere in the park or additional play equipment," she said.
Coun. Paul Lalli asked whether there had been any consultation with the community about the park elements and Naisby reassured him there was.
"We had over 300 responses from the online survey and an open house in November," she said.
The only contentious issue in the park update was staff's recommendation that council support the removal of the seven ornamental cherry trees and one maple tree that line Second Avenue. Staff is recommending that they be replaced with more columnar ones.
"The trees have been for years in conflict with hydro lines and it's difficult with the mature roots to install the fence," Naisby said.
Council was hesitant to support removing the "attractive" trees and Coun. Corinne Lonsdale reminded council that when cherry trees were removed from Cleveland Avenue, there was a significant backlash from the community.
Staff's recommendation to support the design modifications, revisions to the preliminary budget and completing the park in one phase was carried unanimously, but council asked staff to consult with the public and come back to council before going ahead with the tree removal.
