Residents at Cheakamus Crossing could have a place to play as soon as the fall, as work finally began on the $1.5 million Bayly Park this week. Most of the work is expected to be completed before winter, and the park should be complete with structures and lighting by June 2013.
The public park will occupy the capped former municipal landfill surrounding the hostel, and will feature a playground, lawns, a multi-use sports court, an off-leash dog area, an all-weather gravel soccer pitch, an Olympic legacy pavilion, a tennis court, a picnic area, a community garden, sand volleyball courts, trails, public washrooms and parking.
The work was approved by the previous council, but work was delayed in 2011 because of supply issues — specifically the type of fill that's required to prepare the site. That issue has been addressed, and work has already started. The parking lot opposite the Whistler Athletes' Centre will be closed until further notice, although alternative parking is available on their property.
The total budget for the work is $1.479 million, with 10 per cent from the Resort Municipality of Whistler's RMI funds (Resort Municipality Intitiative) from the province and 90 per cent coming from municipal reserves. As well, BC Hydro and Tree Canada are providing $8,000 for the purchase of trees for the project.
Phase I of the development includes covering the property with fill and contouring the park for development. Phase II includes work such as waterlines, sewer lines and wiring for hydro and communications, as well as the construction of structures. All of the additional work, including the tennis and ball hockey court, will be tendered to keep costs down.
