Chancellor Park Survey Results

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT

TO: Committee of the Whole DATE: Feb 1, 2019 FROM: J. Smith, Engineering Clerk MEETING DATE: Feb 12, 2019

Chancellor Park Survey Results

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Committee receive the report entitled “Chancellor Park Survey Results” for information.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

The purpose of the report is to provide an update on community feedback regarding the installation of an asphalt play pad (basketball court/hockey net) in Chancellor Park after approximately one year from installation.

BACKGROUND:

During the October 17, 2017, Council Meeting, three residents spoke during the public participation period regarding concerns of proposed improvements at Chancellor Park. The concerns identified were improvements to Chancellor Park being geared towards younger children who are the daily users of this park, and loss of greenspace. Council committed at that time to follow up with residents of this neighbourhood in one year.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

Following up Council’s commitment to engage the residents in the Chancellor Park neighbourhood, a survey was distributed to residents in the following area:

Map showing the survey distribution area outlined in red around Chancellor Park

Seven surveys were returned and have been attached for review. The overall response was positive:

Enjoy seeing children and adults playing hockey or basketball; Only place for young adults and teenagers to go do something; see a lot of families using it.
Has become our “go-to” walk in fine weather with our little granddaughter.
The play pad is great – youngsters play basketball or hockey with parents; it brings families together.
It is a nice idea (the play pad).

Concerns included:

Suspicious activity in the parking lot/park (historically on-going)
Request dogs be leashed (bylaw enforcement issue)
Loss of green space

In addition to the survey results, in the minutes of the January 16, 2018 Committee of the Whole the Mayor noted that he was pleased to see five youth using the recently installed court improvements in Chancellor Park.

As well, during the survey delivery staff received feedback from a resident directly across the street from the park with two young children that they enjoy the addition daily, and that the paved area is enjoyed by all ages, particularly their youngest as a safe biking area.

ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee recommend to Council that staff be directed to remove the play pad and associated infrastructure installed in Chancellor Park and restore the grassed area.