Canoe citizens of all ages know what they’d like in Jackson Park.
Now the work begins to research and cost those plans, to see what’s feasible.
On Monday evening, Nov. 27, the city held a public input session at Victory Hall in Canoe, to find out what the community would like.
Back in 2014, after consulting with the community, changes were made in the park located at 7241 51st St. NE.
At a cost of about $100,000, the playground equipment was removed and was replaced with a ‘Rocks and Ropes’ themed playground, which sparked both approval and criticism at the time.
Related link: City to consider swings, benches for Jackson Park
In the 2017 budget, the city received a request for the addition of two pickle ball courts and a basketball hoop. Because the existing asphalt and fencing would require significant work, the city decided to first gather more ideas for improvements.
Coun. Louise Wallace Richmond, who lives in Canoe, was pleased with the attendance at Monday’s meeting.
She said residents of all ages spoke, and would like to see the remainder of the tennis court repurposed, as well as larger swings added. Options discussed included basketball hoops, hockey and pickle ball nets. She said the absence of equipment for tweens – children ranging from about eight to 13, was pointed out.
It was decided that “rather than assume what they want, we should ask them the right questions.”
Salmon Arm’s youth council was in attendance, and might take on a survey of that age group to see what they would most prefer.
Wallace Richmond said there’s wide recognition that kids in Canoe like to scooter – and so a mini park has been requested.
“There’s no end to what we want – it’s just a matter of coming up with a plan and a budget,” she said.
Once all the feedback is in, staff will look at options and costs and come up with a report.
@SalmonArm
marthawickett@saobserver.net
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