Whistler's parks are generally in good condition, according to an audit from an external consultant, but there is room for improvement.
The audit was part of Whistler's Parks Master Plan (PMP) process, which is now shifting into Phase 2.
The project—launched late last year with an open house and online survey—will create an inventory of amenities at each of Whistler's parks, prioritize future improvements and develop designs to carry them out.
Phase 1 included a public engagement campaign, engineering park surveys and base mapping, staff interviews, a neighbourhood parks and natural areas inventory analysis and a major parks asset inventory and conditions assessment (read more in Pique, Dec. 7, 2018).
Phase 2 will undertake a "critical evaluation of existing park programming," and develop alternative options, said parks planner Annie Oja in a presentation to council on March 12.
"This task will explore the potential and feasibility to reallocate, relocate, add or delete park elements. For example, there is a limited amount of park space, and some decisions that were made 30-plus years ago might not be the best use of park space today," Oja said.
"This will be completed on a park-by-park basis, but also in the context of the entire system, including the under-utilized spaces and new spaces."
More local community engagement will be included in Phase 2 (via another open house and online survey), while Tourism Whistler will seek feedback on local parks from visitors.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) park system is made of three types of parks, with 44 in total: major resort parks (Bayly, Spruce Grove, Lost Lake, Meadow, Rainbow, Wayside, Alpha Lake, Lakeside and Alta Lake) neighbourhood parks (such as Emerald Park) and natural park areas.
The PMP's main focus is on the nine major resort parks, as well as Blueberry Park, the Green Lake Boat Launch, Green Lake Park and Parkhurst.
Neighbourhood parks, natural park areas, three school sport fields and newly acquired park lands are included in the project, but with a secondary focus.
The aforementioned audit found that, overall, the condition of the park assets are generally high, but some "higher-cost" elements—like drainage and irrigation systems at Rainbow and Meadow parks—are in poor condition.
The total value of the nine parks studied is estimated at more than $15 million.
A less-detailed study of 26 smaller parks was also done, with high-level findings showing some opportunities for maintenance, upgraded signage, protection of natural spaces and improved seating, bike racks and play structures.
Through its public engagement, the RMOW heard most frequently about dogs, enforcement, capacity and parking issues, as well as a need to provide more public docks, more dog-friendly areas, and more signage.
Residents would also like the RMOW to connect all local parks with transit, acquire waterfront property whenever possible, and be mindful about over-irrigation at all parks.
Councillor Ralph Forsyth noted there were a lot of comments from the public about dogs, and wondered if staff would be bringing a definitive policy forward.
"It's probably a bit premature to judge the outcome of the (PMP) process, but certainly we've heard feedback on dogs," Oja said.
"A huge majority of people are for dogs, and then there's a lot of people against dogs, so I think through this process we aim to work through those types of conflicts."
Phase 2 will wrap up this summer, followed by a third and final phase that will provide detailed designs and costing for park improvements deemed to be a priority.
"The strategy will be used to inform further work plans, which will be considered in the municipal budgeting process," Oja said, adding that more community and visitor engagement is also planned for Phase 3, which will wrap up this fall.
The PMP has $140,000 budgeted for it in 2019, followed by another $75,000 in 2020.
Follow the process at www.whistler.ca/outsidevoice.
