An up to $1-million splash park is one of the marquee items of the proposed Brennan Park Fields and Lands Master Plan, but much of council’s debate centred around two things — the removal of the campground and privatization.
On June 23, council voted unanimously to endorse the “key concepts” of the plan. It will now be sent to the public for feedback. However, elected officials expressed some concerns.
The plan serves as a guiding document about the future of the Brennan Park lands and was created with community consultation. It shows areas where buildings can be constructed and lists proposed spending items over the next 15 years.
Aside from the splash park, other items include a $10,000 beach volleyball court; $50,000 pickleball, tennis, basketball and lacrosse courts; a $180,000 outdoor theatre; and millions in field lighting upgrades.
There were also proposals about how to manage the Brennan Park lands.
One major proposal is to move the existing municipal campground to the existing equestrian area and turn it into a camp that would only be used for special events. Regular access would be stopped.
(An alternative equestrian bubble is proposed.)
This events-only campground would eventually be turned into sports fields in the long term as demand grows.
A second major proposal would entertain having private companies build and operate an indoor sports field and an indoor bike park in the area. Ideally, the money generated from that lease would be used to subsidize public access to recreation facilities by reducing admission fees. Alternatively, it could be directed to public programming or resources.
Coun. Doug Race voiced concern about privatization, a feeling that was echoed by many on council, including the mayor.
“The use of public land for private operators — the argument has to be quite compelling for the public good for me to buy into that,” said Mayor Karen Elliott.
Coun. Jenna Stoner added she was also hesitant, and wanted to explore the risks that may be associated with the matter.
Access and ad-free spaces were top of mind for Coun. Chris Pettingill.
“I think...ensuring public access is the top priority,” said Pettingill. “I think there’s value in having spaces where we’re not bombarded by more advertising and sales.”
Tim Hoskin, the municipality’s director of special projects, said private companies would be charged market rates on their leases and would have to convince officials that their project benefits the community.
“We’d be asking them to create their plans or business proposal to justify the social value that would be reviewed by staff...and then brought to council,” said Hoskin.
“It would ultimately be council’s decision.”
There were also concerns about the removal of the campground in its current form.
Council noted this may be an issue in a town where many people live in their vehicles. Vanlife happened to be a topic of discussion last week, as the District intends on soon giving 50% discounts at the municipal campground to people in economically challenging situations.
Stoner noted that the Vehicle Residents of Squamish Advocacy Group did not provide any input into this matter.
She was concerned that a municipal asset might become something less permanent and possibly replaced by a for-profit entity.
Hoskin said the District is working to ensure those who need the financial support — which could include people living in their vehicles — will have access to resources.
He noted the campground currently sits in an area where new buildings can be constructed, and as a result it may be a good idea to free up that space.
“I don’t think operating a campground is a core business of a municipality, so I’m not opposed to moving out of that,” said Elliott.
However, she wondered about how it will be used, when it’s not being used as a public amenity.
The draft plan will be sent to the public for feedback and a revised copy is expected to be brought before council around September.
