By Amanda Daly
Some of Nanaimo’s greatest assets are its public outdoor spaces.
With more than 588 hectares of city parks, more than 100 kilometres of trails, 65 playgrounds and 22 sports fields, there is something for everyone to enjoy and discover.
All of these green spaces and facilities add immensely to the quality of life here in the Harbour City.
At parks, recreation and culture, we are dedicated to maintaining and improving these resources, but we need your help.
Community feedback and outreach plays a crucial part in the success of any park planning.
There are several ways our parks department gathers the public’s feedback and ideas. One method is to host an open house.
You may have seen these advertised locally, they are open to all residents and visitors alike. Open houses are an excellent venue to gather insight into how our community is being shaped and to share thoughts and ideas.
Other options include surveys, e-mails or letters to our parks planning staff. Answers, comments and ideas help provide framework and the priorities for proposed improvements to the parks and recreation system. We incorporate the feedback with those of city staff to develop the park projects and future plans.
Parks, recreation and culture staff believe Nanaimo is a lifestyle, and the parks are just one way we try to provide the public opportunities to maintain a healthy active lifestyle. You are the reason behind our improvement projects.
Current park projects that need public involvement include: Maffeo Sutton Park, Forest Drive Park, Harewood Centennial Park and Neck Point Park improvement projects, as well as the proposed science centre in Bowen Park.
If you have some thoughts on how to continue to improve any of these parks, or other parks for that matter, please consider sharing those ideas in the following ways:
u Complete an online survey – Maffeo Sutton Park: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MQMC9VL; Bowen Park proposed science centre: www.surveymonkey.com/s/3SSNJ6C.
u Attend an open house. Dates are posted in the park, in local papers, and online. Upcoming open houses include: Bowen Park proposed Science Centre – Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Maffeo Sutton Park – Sept. 11, 4-8 p.m.
E-mail your opinions and input to parks@nanaimo.ca or call 250-756-5200.
Amanda Daly is a marketing and communication specialist with Nanaimo parks, recreation and culture.