With Squamish in the midst of a baby boom, its park and recreation facilities need to prepare for the wave of little feet, says Erik Lees.
On Monday (June 11), approximately 25 residents came to Brennan Park Recreation Centre to hear what the principal of Lees and Associates - the consultants hired by the District of Squamish to draft its Parks and Recreation Master Plan - had compiled so far. The plan, slated to be completed by November, will provide direction for managing and developing parks and recreation facilities.
Three hundred Squamish citizens took part in a phone survey and 198 residents participated in an online questionnaire outlining what they saw as important parts of the community's sporting resources and where improvements can be made. In the phone survey, mountain biking topped sport involvement in the phone survey, with 42 per cent of respondents noting they cycle off-road. That was followed by hiking and swimming. Among youth, swimming and soccer were the most popular sports.
At the table discussions, participants noted that better transportation services are needed to facilities, such as Brennan Park rec centre. The need is becoming crucial with the rapid growth of the number of youth in town, residents said.
With the onslaught of young families has come the onslaught of dogs. Dave Berrisford said the district needs a big off-leash dog park. As president of the Squamish Paddling Club, Berrisford came to the event to stress the importance for waterfront access and equipment storage.
Brackendale resident Glenne Campbell said she wanted to make sure her neighbourhood wasn't overlooked in the master plan. She would like to see better signage throughout Squamish, particularly regarding Fisherman's Park.
"Brackendale Farmers Institute Park needs to become an official park," Campbell added.
Lees told participants the draft plan is scheduled to be complete in mid-September, at which point it will be brought back to the community.
