Duchess Park Plan - City of Prince George

Duchess Park Plan March 21, 2011 Long Range Planning Division Table of Contents 1.0 Background .................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 The Project ............................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Planning Process ...................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 Site Context ................................................................................................................................. 2 2.1 Location & Site Description ...................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Historical Context ..................................................................................................................... 9 3.0 Planning Context ........................................................................................................................ 13 3.1 Memorandum of Understanding ............................................................................................ 13 3.2 All Weather Field.................................................................................................................... 14 3.3 Prince George Parks and Open Space Master Plan .................................................................. 15 3.4 Crescents Neighbourhood Plan .............................................................................................. 15 3.5 Smart Growth on the Ground ................................................................................................. 16 3.6 Prince George Accessible Advisory Committee ....................................................................... 17 3.7 Public Input ............................................................................................................................ 17 4.0 Plan Vision, Goal & Objectives.................................................................................................... 21 4.1 Vision ..................................................................................................................................... 21 4.2 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 21 4.3 Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 21 5.0 Plan Concept & Components ..................................................................................................... 22 5.1 Plan Drawing .......................................................................................................................... 22 5.2 Plan Components ................................................................................................................... 25 6.0 Plan Policies ............................................................................................................................... 29 6.1 Land Use, Facilities & Site Development ................................................................................. 29 6.2 Vegetation & Environmental .................................................................................................. 31 6.3 Pedestrian & Bicycle Circulation ............................................................................................. 32 6.4 Vehicle Access & Parking ........................................................................................................ 33 6.5 Arts, Culture & Heritage ......................................................................................................... 33 6.6 Agreements ........................................................................................................................... 34 6.7 Operations & Maintenance .................................................................................................... 34 7.0 Plan Implementation ................................................................................................................. 35 7.1 Phasing .................................................................................................................................. 35 7.2 Cost Estimates........................................................................................................................ 35 8.0 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 37 9.0 Appendices ................................................................................................................................ 39 List of Maps Map 1: Duchess Park Area ...................................................................................................................... 5 Map 2: Duchess Park Site Analysis .......................................................................................................... 7 Map 3: Duchess Park Plan ..................................................................................................................... 23 Executive Summary Duchess Park represents the City’s newest district park and has become a reality due to a unique partnership between a variety of agencies. On April 9, 2009, the City of Prince George acquired lands at the Duchess School site through an agreement with the School District No. 57 and the Province of British Columbia. Through this partnership, the City would develop the former school site as a community park and transfer the lands at Alward Neighbourhood Park to the Canadian Cancer Society for a new care lodge. The transfer of lands at the Duchess site is being facilitated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the School District No. 57, where the City of Prince George will develop and manage the site after developing a plan for the park that is led by a public consultation process to determine the community and school needs for the site. The Duchess Park site has long established roots in the community of Prince George. The site was originally envisaged through the Brett and Hall Co. townsite plan (1912‐1913) for Prince George as the central green space within the radiating streets of the prestigious Crescents neighbourhood. For close to a century, institutional use has dominated this site with the various school facilities that were located here. At the end of 2010, many of these facilities were no longer present and the site would feature a newly constructed Duchess Park Secondary School. The 3.91 hectare Duchess Park site would be located directly west of this new school on a relatively flat, central open space surrounded by heritage homes and views of the Cutbanks and Connaught Hill. The development a plan for Duchess Park included a review of the relevant policies to set the framework for the park’s development. The MOU agreement for the park outlines the need to determine the feasibility for a future all weather field at Duchess Park that would ultimately replace the existing natural surface sports field. The Parks and Open Space Master Plan (2008) includes various recommendations that would be applicable for the development and management of Duchess Park as a District level park. The Crescents Neighbourhood Plan (2003) supports the redevelopment of the Duchess Park school site with parkland and recreational provisions. The Smart Growth on the Ground Plan (2009) establishes a long term vision of the Downtown with increased residential densities that would be supported by a large destination park at the Duchess site. The Prince George Accessible Advisory Committee gained approval from Council to pursue an accessible playground at Duchess Park. The Duchess Park Plan public consultation process aimed to engage various stakeholders in the planning and design process. The first open house held in June 2009 included public input boards and a survey to capture input into the potential facilities and programming opportunities for the park. This information was utilized to develop a concept plan for the park that would be the subject of public review and comment, as outlined in a public consultation plan approved by Council. This consultation plan included the methodology for the delivery of an open house event, along with focus group discussions and a public input survey. The results of the consultation process confirmed a tremendous support for a variety of park activities for all ages and mobility levels, within a destination park setting. The Duchess Park Plan includes an overall vision and design of that park that aims to meet the various community and school needs for the park. The vision for Duchess Park is “a welcoming park that offers opportunities for people of all ages and mobility levels, in an environment that honours the past and fosters a sense of community”. The design of the park aims to achieve a goal of meeting these various needs with a balance of active and passive recreational park uses through the following park features: • The proposed Trail System would accommodate the pedestrian desire lines in and around the park with connections to the surrounding school and sidewalk networks. • A synthetic All Weather Field would ultimately replace the existing sports field and include provisions for an American sized football field and overlapping national sized soccer field. • The proposed Amphitheatre would provide an outdoor venue for various cultural events or gatherings. • The proposed Accessible Playground would accommodate access for children and their caregivers to a number of play components, naturalized elements and sensory gardens. • The Mini Bike Park would feature a small mountain bike pump track tailored to a variety of ages with rollers, jumps and bridges all within a naturalized setting. • The Picnic Area would be located near the mini bike park and accessible playground to provide a central gathering space, complete with picnic tables and shade trees. • The Fenced Dog Park would provide an opportunity for off leash dogs to recreate within a controlled, fenced environment. • The Multi‐Purpose Courts would include a capacity for multiple tennis courts and basketball hoops along with accommodations for winter ice sports. • The Landscape of the park would feature tree‐lined trails, large turf areas for informal play, and a formal sign bed. • The Site Furniture and Infrastructure would include benches at prominent viewpoints or rest areas, pedestrian lighting along major trails, bollards, interpretive signage and public art. • A paved Parking Lot would be accommodated, as required, with a one‐way circulation system and angled parking complete with accessible parking stalls and accommodations. The implementation of the Duchess Park Plan would be facilitated through a variety of policies in a phased development process. The plan outlines a number of policies that ensure the park would be developed and managed with consideration of the various park needs, along with the available resources required to deliver them. The development of the park would include a phased approach with the first phase of development to occur in 2011. Future phases would be pursued pending the availability of secured resources which are anticipated to occur through partnerships with community groups and agencies. Other funding sources would be pursued through grant programs and sponsorship opportunities. 1.0 Background 1.1
The Project On April 9, 2009, the City of Prince George entered into a three‐way agreement with the Province of British Columbia and the School District No. 57, which resulted in the City’s transfer of Alward Park to the Canadian Cancer Society, in exchange for lands at the Duchess School site for development as a community park. This innovative partnership was supported by a $2.2million contribution from the Province to compensate the School District for the value of school land that would become City Park. The loss of the Alward neighbourhood park site was compensated by the net gain of a much larger and developable park site at the Duchess School site. The transfer of School District No. 57 lands to the City of Prince George has been facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the terms and conditions required of each party. The School’s obligation to transfer the lands involves subdivision, rezoning and demolition of certain structures. The City’s obligation primarily involves the development of the property as a park, which would include conducting public consultation and developing a plan for the park that considers the various community and school needs. Once these obligations are met, the lands would be transferred in full and the site would be developed and managed as a City Park. 1.2
Planning Process The development of the Duchess Park Plan was undertaken with the objectives of creating a plan that meets the obligations of the Memorandum of Understanding with the School District No. 57, focuses on community and school needs for the park, incorporates input from stakeholders, and is consistent with City policies and planning documents. The planning process encompassed two main phases as outlined below. Phase 1 – Conceptualize the Park The first phase began with an Open House, held on June 25, 2009, to confirm public support for the concept and development of a new community park at the Duchess site. The input received through the Open House event and public input survey verified strong support for the park. This was followed by site inventory work and conceptual design development. Phase 2 –Develop the Plan The second phase of the planning process included the development and subsequent Council adoption of a Consultation Plan for Duchess Park. This was followed by an Open House, held on November 25, 2010, where a Concept Plan was presented to the public for feedback. The results of the Open House, along with the public input survey and stakeholder meetings, were compiled and utilized in the development of the Duchess Park Plan. 1 2.0 Site Context 2.1
Location & Site Description Duchess Park encompasses a 3.91 hectare area centrally located within the concentric, semi‐circular streets of the Crescents neighbourhood (see Map 1: Duchess Park Area). The Crescents neighbourhood is located immediately west of the City’s downtown core and consists primarily of older homes constructed in the first half of the 20th century. Regional health facilities are also prevalent with the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia, Northern Health Unit, Phoenix Medical Building and the Cancer Care Centre currently under construction. Some residential densities east of the park support mixed use developments with commercial service and office uses, commonly adjacent to Vancouver Street. There are also a number of seniors housing and care facilities nearby. The new park site was the former location of the Duchess Park Secondary School that was demolished in the summer of 2010 and rebuilt directly to the east fronting on Winnipeg Street. Duchess Park Secondary School is a choice destination school as a result of the academic and athletic success of the students. The school serves approximately 1,000 students and the building has achieved LEED1 Gold Certification with geo‐thermal heating, energy efficient lighting, daylight views in 75% of the spaces and water reduction strategies. A large gymnasium, New Duchess Park Secondary School ‐ photo courtesy of K. Watt storage rooms and washrooms are accessible from the park on the east side of the school. Over 60% of the student population lives within the school catchment area (east Bowl area and North Nechako residential areas), while a remaining 37% represent Francophone, French Immersion or other students from throughout the School District regional area. The Prince George Youth Soccer Association is also located at the corner of 9th Avenue and Winnipeg Street, where they operate an indoor field house complete with synthetic turf fields. The existing natural surface sports field and pathway west of the new Duchess Park Secondary School – photo courtesy of K. Watt 1
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building program. 2 Duchess Park Plan After the demolition of the former school, the Duchess Park site was left largely devoid of vegetation, facilities, or improvements with the exception of the sports field and some scattered trees. The park site is mostly level, with some grade changes where the park boundary meets with the school lands to the east (see Map 2: Duchess Park Site Analysis). The site’s soils are well drained and there are no surface drainage patterns. The remaining trees include some mature species in the southern end of the park, as well as some conifer trees that were planted around the sports field as part of the new school’s construction. In the fall of 2010, the City of Prince George completed preliminary site works that included grading, seeding to control dust and the installation of bollards to restrict vehicular access. The Duchess Park area looking south after site grading in the fall of 2010 ‐ photo courtesy of K. Birkmann On‐site utilities are minimal as most were removed with the demolition of the former school. Street lights exist along Renwick Crescent and across the street at 10th Avenue. A functional fire hydrant is located north of the school’s southern parking lot off of 9th Avenue. The hydrant is connected to a larger water line that runs approximately northwest and northeast through the middle of the park, connecting to services off of Renwick Crescent. A small hydro station is also located on the perimeter of the park, southeast of 10th Avenue. The park has a number of features that provide the basis for a potential grand park development. The park has open sight lines and good natural surveillance from the adjacent residents. There are two significant views towards Connaught Hill to the southeast and the Cutbanks to the northeast. There are strong pedestrian and cyclist desire lines through the park from the new Duchess Park School to 10th Avenue and Four Post Hill2, as well as from Renwick Crescent to Four Post Hill. Existing sidewalks and on‐street parking accommodations are also located on the edge of the park on Ross Crescent and Renwick Crescent. 2
Four Post Hill is a name that has been historically used by local students and area residents in reference to the informal walkway leading west from Duchess Park off of Ross Crescent, where four wooden posts are located in the walkway at the top of the hill. 3 4 Duchess Park Plan E
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2.2
Historical Context The Duchess Park site has a long history in the community that began with the original townsite plans for Prince George and continued with school use on the property. Crescents The siting of Duchess Park was originally conceived in the early 1900s with the intention of creating a central open space within the Crescents neighbourhood. In 1912 to 1913, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Co. established the townsite for Prince George3. A Boston architectural firm by the name of Brett, Hall & Co. designed the townsite, which would be established on over 1,300 acres of land purchased from the Fort George Indian Band. The design of the townsite was inspired by the City Beautiful planning movement which was popular in the United States during that time4. The City Beautiful design elements were translated into the semi‐circular streets and vistas with the intention of forming a prestigious neighbourhood in the Crescents5. Duchess Park was prominently located within the centre of the radiating streets and the terminus of 7th Avenue, and would provide the central green space for the community area. The ‘Crescents’ as they appeared in 1965 ‐ photo courtesy of the Exploration Place
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F. E. Runnalls, ‘A History of Prince George’, 1946, reprinted in 1983. 4
Kent Sedgwick, “Chicago of the North: A City Beautiful Plan,” in ‘Street Names of Prince George: Our History’, ed. University Womens Club of Prince George (Prince George: College of New Caledonia Press, 1989), 4. 5
Kent Sedgwick 9 Institutional Over time, the Duchess Park site would be dominated by school institutional use that still has a major presence on the site today. The history of schools on this site have been well documented in a recent publication by the Prince George Retired Teachers’ Association, that has been utilized in this plan to provide a summary of the institutional use at the Duchess Park6. The first public school in Prince George was established in 1915 at 7th Avenue and Winnipeg Street and included four large classrooms for grades 1 through to 8. This facility was eventually vacated for several years when a new eight room school was built on Winnipeg Street. The school was reopened as Baron Byng and became the City’s high school. The new eight room elementary school was originally called the Prince George City Elementary School, then it was subsequently renamed to the Prince Children’s race at King George V School, 1922 ‐ photo courtesy of the Exploration Place
George Public School and finally it officially opened as the King George V Elementary School in 1922. The school flourished with 419 students in 1929. In the 1960s and 1970s a new gym, classrooms, library and office were added. The school was eventually closed in 2003 due to low enrollment, and was subsequently demolished in 2006. The King George V Elementary School had a long history in Prince George and featured a number of new programs within the School District. The Programme Cadre (francophone) was established in 1984 at this school and remained there until 1999, when the program moved to the vacated Seymour Elementary School facility. The King George V School featured district wide special education programming during the 1970s and 1980s. The facility also hosted the original YMCA After School Care program. King George V Elementary School students ‐ photo courtesy of the Exploration Place
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Barbara Hall, ‘School District No. 57 (Prince George) Historical Memories: People, Places, Programs & Services’, 2011. 10 Duchess Park Plan The Duchess Park Secondary School also has a long history on this site. The first Duchess Park Junior High School was established in 1958 in the old Prince George High School at 9th Avenue and Winnipeg Street, across from the new Prince George Secondary School built on Ross Crescent in 1956. In 1968, the Prince George Secondary School moved to its present location on the bypass, and the Duchess Park Junior High School then took over the facility on Ross Crescent. The old school facility at 9th Avenue and Original Duchess Park Jr. High School ‐ photo courtesy of the Exploration Place
Winnipeg Street became the School Board Office, which was subsequently demolished in 2006. The new Duchess Park Secondary School remained in operation until it reopened in 2010 in a new location on Winnipeg Street, while the old facility on Ross Crescent was demolished in 2010. Top academic & athletic award winners from Duchess Park Jr. High School, 1959 ‐
photo courtesy of the Exploration Place Like King George V, Duchess Park Secondary School included many new programs to service the larger School District. In the 1980s, a Special Learnings Resources program was established for high school students with profound physical or intellectual limitations. In 1985, the Programme Cadre (francophone) was initiated for high school students and was followed by the French Immersion program in 1992. The Pathways alternative education program for pregnant adolescent moms was in place at the school from 1987 to 2005, and daycare facilities were provided across the street by Elizabeth Fry. Aboriginal support services were also initiated at the Duchess Park facility. 11 12 Duchess Park Plan 3.0 Planning Context The City of Prince George has a number of policy documents that provide direction for the development and management of Duchess Park and surrounding areas. These policies along with the public input gathered in the consultation process, provide a framework for the development of the Duchess Park Plan. 3.1
Memorandum of Understanding The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the School District No. 57 and the City of Prince George agreement, dated April 9th, 2009, outlines the terms and conditions relating to the transfer of School District lands (Duchess Park) and the City owned Alward Park. The MOU outlines a number of obligations for both the City of Prince George and School District No. 57, that would need to be satisfied prior to the completion of a full land transfer. School District No. 57 Obligations: •
Transfer of lands at the Duchess site to the City for use as a City Park. •
Demolish the Duchess Park Secondary School on Ross Crescent along with certain buildings and structures within the subject area, upon construction of the new Duchess Secondary School facility on Winnipeg Street. •
Subdivide the new park area from the remaining school site. City of Prince George Obligations: •
Transfer the lands at Alward Park to the Canadian Cancer Society. •
Develop, construct, operate and maintain the subject area as a park at the City’s sole expense. •
Conduct public consultation to determine public needs and development programs for the park. •
Develop a park that is primarily for use by the surrounding community as well as for the School District in association with the new Duchess Park Secondary School. •
Construct, operate and maintain a regular size sports field for use by the new Duchess Park Secondary School. •
Grant the School District the ability to use the park in connection with the new Duchess Park Secondary School through the Joint‐Use Agreement. •
Complete a feasibility study for a new all weather field in respect of the development considerations and user demands for this facility. If found to be feasible, the all weather field would be constructed at the City’s sole expense pending available resources and approval by City Council. 13 •
Operate and maintain the park amenities and recreation facilities. •
Develop a plan for the park subject to the results of public consultation and the all weather field feasibility study, for ultimate approval from City Council. With the completion of these obligations in full, a formal Land Transfer Agreement would be prepared and would finalize the legal transfer of the lands. The City would then be required to complete the construction of the park within one year of the final land transfer date. 3.2
All Weather Field On June 15, 2009, Council approved an application to the federal Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program for the construction of all weather field at Duchess Park. The concept of an all weather field for Duchess Park originated in the land transfer discussions between the School District and the City of Prince George. The facility would complement the state of the art new Duchess Park School and would be supported by the school’s ancillary facilities such as change rooms and storage. Unlike other Western Canadian communities of a similar size, the City of Prince George does not have an all weather field facility although the long winter season in Prince George typically results in shorter playing seasons and recovery periods. The preparation of the RInC application included research into the construction of all weather fields. The field was proposed with a synthetic turf surface, similar to the Northern Sports Centre indoor field house located at the University of Northern British Columbia. The overall field dimensions would accommodate an American sized football field and a national sized soccer field, along with the required side and end zones as proposed by the user groups. The field would be completely contained by a concrete curb and a 10’ high chain link fence. Field lighting would be included, along with irrigation systems to cool the surface during hotter weather. The complete cost for such facilities is estimated at roughly 1.5 million. The City of Prince George coordinated public input sessions with the various organized sports field user groups to confirm the community need and support for an all weather field. A meeting with potential user group organizations such as soccer, football, rugby, softball, fastball, and disc golf was convened on June 2, 2009, and the user groups were overwhelmingly supportive of the all weather field concept. The user groups submitted written support for the facility with overall comments confirming that the long winter season limits early or late season use due to damage of natural playing surfaces during shoulder seasons. Both football and rugby in particular do not have a permanent ‘home’ for their leagues and generally operate during the shoulder seasons, resulting in considerable damage and repairs required for City fields. The all weather field was perceived to achieve a higher level of play by extending the seasons, providing opportunities for youth and adult recreation, and increasing tournaments and training camp opportunities. A detailed summary of the user group meeting is located in Appendix C. 14 Duchess Park Plan 3.3
Prince George Parks and Open Space Master Plan The 2008 Prince George Parks and Open Space Master Plan (POSMP) was developed to guide the use, acquisition, disbursement and development of parks and open spaces. The new Duchess Community Park site is consistent with a District Park classification, which the POSMP identifies as accommodating recreational play at a District level. A District is generally defined as an area of 8,000 residents or more, with at least one secondary school and bounded by major highways or arterial routes. The POSMP identifies District Parks as having an optimal size of 8 ha and are centrally located adjacent to a secondary school facility and major transportation routes. A District Park would typically include structured recreational facilities for various ages, passive leisure opportunities and support buildings. The park would have sufficient street frontage, be located near safe pedestrian crossings, be linked by trails or pedestrian infrastructure and include parking as required. Duchess Community Park is located in the East Bowl District, which is the most established area of the City with a population of over 17,000 and is characterized by high density and urban residential, commercial, and industrial development. The POSMP outlines a District Park provision of 1 ha/1,000 residents within a District area, for which the East Bowl District has an identified District Park deficiency of 9.22 ha. The acquisition of the 3.91 ha Duchess Community Park site alleviates some of this deficiency and reduces the East Bowl District Park deficiency to 5.31 ha. The POSMP also includes some recommendations for consideration in the development and ongoing management of Duchess Park. Any new park facilities and amenities are recommended in the POSMP to be developed to the City’s Park and Open Space standards, as well as to Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. Park development should also follow any relevant policies from Council approved neighbourhood plans, such as the Crescents Neighbourhood Plan. Park development should consider the inclusion of a wide range of user groups in facility development, and should incorporate sustainable designs, public art and four‐season interest where possible. Playground development should be pursued in high need areas such as Duchess Park, given the loss of the only other nearby park area at Alward to the land transfer process. Capital and operating funding should be at a level consistent with the delivery of park facilities and amenities. Partnerships with organizations and community groups, such as the School District through the Joint‐Use Agreement, should also be fostered to meet many of the community objectives for a park such as Duchess. 3.4
Crescents Neighbourhood Plan The 2003 Crescents Neighbourhood Plan was developed to provide specific land use policies and to guide the ultimate redevelopment of the Crescents area that generally encompasses the lands bounded by Vancouver Street, 15th Avenue, Carney Street and 3rd Avenue. The vision for the Crescents neighbourhood builds upon the planning and heritage significance of the area along with a desire to increase the livability of the neighbourhood. The plan contains a number of policies that have a direct impact upon Duchess Park. 15 Policy 5.4 3. “Redevelopment of the Duchess Park school property should primarily focus on recreational opportunities” Policy 5.5 3. “Neighbourhood trails are shown on Map 4, and many connect to other city trails. New development should not interfere with the continuity of such trails.” Policy 5.5 5. “Any redevelopment of the Duchess Park school site should consider provision for park and open space to serve the immediate community area needs” Policy 5.6.1. “Completion of the 7th Avenue pedestrian pathway between McBride and Ross Crescent should be explored, including the development of stairs, with the pedestrian link to be continued adjacent to Duchess Park School to Renwick Crescent. This initiative should also consider the needs of cyclists, and must be considered in the context of overall City priorities with respect to walkway and trail development.” Policy 6.0 2. “Given the deterioration of a number of sidewalks in the Crescents area it is recommended that the City establish a rehabilitation plan with the objective of gradually improving all of the sidewalks in the area to an acceptable standard, with consideration of access to the disabled and elderly by way of curb cuts at intersections or through other appropriate means” Policy 6.0 6. “In consideration of redevelopment opportunities for the KGV School, and in the event of further abandonment or reduction of school facilities, the primary focus should be on public park and/or recreational use” 3.5
Smart Growth on the Ground The 2009 Smart Growth on the Ground (SGOG) Downtown Prince George Concept Plan is a detailed vision of a sustainable and vibrant downtown Prince George for the year 2035. This vision includes a downtown that functions as the cultural and civic centre of Prince George and where vibrant streets and businesses create livable neighbourhoods. Increased residential development is proposed in the plan, primarily between Vancouver and Victoria Street. The establishment of a park at Duchess will become a destination area for many of these future residents, as the western area of downtown is lacking in the provision of large quality open spaces. Therefore the new park will contribute greatly to the vision of achieving a livable downtown in Prince George. The Smart Growth on the Ground Concept Plan – source: 2009 S.G.O.G. Plan
16 Duchess Park Plan 3.6
Prince George Accessible Advisory Committee The Prince George Accessible Advisory Committee (PGAAC) Playground Sub‐Committee received approval from Council in May 7, 2010 to pursue an Accessible Playground at Duchess Park. The Playground Sub‐Committee was formed by PGAAC in 2007 with a goal to explore the feasibility of creating an accessible playground in Prince George. The Playground Sub‐Committee recommended the Duchess site due to the cost savings and efficiencies that could be achieved at this site. Since that time the Committee has been actively planning and fundraising for a playground that would be accessible to both children and their caregivers, and would feature play components for children of varying physical, cognitive and sensory impairments. The accessible play components would be complemented by other elements of sensory gardens and natural play that are connected to the park through an accessible trail system. The first phase of the playground’s development could occur in conjunction with the proposed construction of the park in 2011. The Committee is working on a collaborative funding model where all contributors are partners of the playground. The first phase of development would include accessible infrastructure that connects the playground to parking areas adjacent to the park. Traditional play components such as ramps, platforms, slides, swings and rockers would also be pursued in this first phase where possible. The addition of sensory gardens, natural play, climbing art and enhanced play components would be pursued in future phases as funding becomes available. Once completed, the Accessible Playground would provide a significant draw for the community and create the City’s first fully accessible play facility. 3.7
Public Input The development of a concept plan for Duchess Park incorporated an integrated public consultation process to ensure the needs of both the community and school were well understood. This included the development of a Consultation Plan which directed the Open Houses event, public input survey and stakeholder meetings that followed where residents, community groups, and the Duchess School students and faculty provided input on the design and programming for the park. Open House & Survey ‐ June 2009 The Duchess Community Park public consultation process began with an Open House that took place on June 25th, 2009 at the former Duchess School cafeteria on Ross Crescent. The event was jointly held by the City of Prince George and School District No. 57, to provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed concept of establishing a new community park at the Duchess site. Information was presented on the community park space, potential park standards and facilities, the Crescents Neighbourhood Plan and plans for the new Duchess Park School facility. Over 100 people attended the Open House and the key message that was received by City Administration was the need to establish a destination park at Duchess for the neighbourhood that provides green space with passive and active recreational facilities tailored to all ages and accessibility levels. 17 Open House event held in June 2009 at the former Duchess Secondary School on Ross Crescent ‐ courtesy of the City of Prince George Input Boards were made available to participants at the June 25th Open House, and included a Facility Input Board and Programming Input Board. Participants at the Open House were asked to write down their comments and place a dot in support of desired Facilities and Programming. The results of these Input Boards concluded strong support for a fenced off‐leash area, trails, playground and an all weather field. Support was indicated for a mountain bike skills area, hard surface court, ice rink and community garden. Overall park greening was desired with an emphasis on natural elements and play components. Concern was raised by residents over the potential glare from lighting of the sports field. Community programming, events and facilities were emphasized particularly for seniors, but also for families or youth. The detailed results of the Input Board exercise are included in Appendix B. The June 25th Open House also included a public input survey that was made available at the event, as well as through the City’s website and at City Hall. A total of 71 completed surveys were received by the City of Prince George and the results of the Survey concluded that most respondents were residents of the area who have used the school grounds often for activities such as walking, dog walking, soccer or playing on the former playground. Strong support was indicated for a fenced off‐leash area, trails and a playground in the park. Support was also indicated for the overall greening of the park as well as for a sports field, tennis courts and basketball court. The detailed results of the survey are included in Appendix D. Duchess Community Park Consultation Plan On November 15th 2010, Council directed staff to complete the public consultation process outlined in the Duchess Community Park Consultation Plan. The Consultation Plan was developed by City Administration with the intention of building upon the input received in the 2009 consultation process, as well as to raise awareness and engage the community in the preparation of the detailed Duchess Park Plan. The Consultation Plan incorporated an Open House event, focus group discussions and a public input survey. Advertisement of the Open House and survey was facilitated through local newspapers, the City website, social media outlets, regional health facilities and through the Duchess Park Secondary School. The input received from the consultation process was then utilized in the development of the detailed Duchess Park Plan. The Duchess Community Park Consultation Plan is included in Appendix A. 18 Duchess Park Plan Open House & Survey ‐ November 2010 On Thursday, November 25th 2010, the City of Prince George led an Open House to facilitate public review and comment on the Duchess Community Park Plan. The Open House was held in the atrium of the new Duchess Park Secondary School facility. The student/staff segment of the Open House began at 3:00pm and was well attended by over 150 representatives from the school. The public Open House followed at 5:00pm and was attended by over 75 residents or interested members of the public. The information presented at the Open House included a concept plan of the park, site analysis diagram, information boards, and graphic representations of various proposed facilities. The Open House presentation materials are included in Appendix E. The November 25th Open House event also included a public input survey which was also made available, along with the Open House presentation boards, online through the City of Prince George website and in hard copy format at City Hall. The survey closed on Friday, January 7th, 2011 with a total of 150 surveys received by the City of Prince George. The survey include an open‐ended comment section along with 3 questions asking “what would make you visit Duchess Park?”, “what do you think is missing from the park?” and “if you could pick 3 things to add to the park, what would they be?”. The results of this Survey concluded the following key messages: ‰ Very strong support for fun activities for people of all ages & abilities ‰ Very strong support for a bike park facility ‰ Strong support for the overall park plan & components ‰ Strong support for green spaces with open lawn, trees, plant and floral displays ‰ Strong support for a skate park facility ‰ Support for benches, public art, picnic facilities, playground, dog park, water features/park, basketball & tennis courts, ice rink, beach volleyball courts, more/better parking and clean/safe spaces Former Duchess Park Secondary School on Ross Crescent, looking west over the sports field ‐ photo courtesy of the City of Prince George 19 Duchess Physical Education Faculty Focus Group Discussion ‐ December 2010 A focus group discussion was held on December 14, 2010 with the Physical Education faculty from the Duchess Secondary School to confirm the school’s specific physical education curriculum needs and desires for the adjacent community park. The meeting confirmed that the school operates up to half of their physical education curriculum year in outdoor recreational facilities and would require activity zones for up to five classes at any given time during teaching hours. The school also uses the sports field for their school team games and practices, usually in the late afternoon hours. Given these school needs, the faculty suggested that all youth or community orientated park facilities should be located closer to Ross Crescent so that the recreational facilities could be located directly adjacent to the school. The school would also require use of the future all weather field for their school curriculum and sports teams. A detailed summary of the meeting is included in Appendix C. 20 Duchess Park Plan 4.0 Plan Vision, Goal & Objectives 4.1
Vision The vision for Duchess Park is as follows: “A welcoming park that offers opportunities for people of all ages and mobility levels, in an environment that honours the past and fosters a sense of community”. 4.2
Goal The goal of the Duchess Park Plan is to guide the planning, development and management of Duchess Park while balancing the community and school needs for the park. 4.3
Objectives A number of objectives are required to achieve the vision and goal of the Duchess Park Plan as follows: •
Create a community gathering space. •
Consider park needs of the community and the school. •
Create a diversity of spaces to accommodate varying levels of gathering, events and activities. •
Ensure accessibility for all ages, mobility levels and active transportation modes. •
Facilitate the pedestrian and cyclist desire lines within and through the park. •
Balance open space areas with the built environment. •
Connect the park to the adjacent Duchess Park School. •
Landscape the site to create a green, parkland setting. •
Accommodate use throughout the seasons. •
Create a safe and secure park environment that is comfortable for users. •
Pursue partnerships and community stewardship in the park. •
Celebrate and honour the site’s heritage and culture. 21 5.0 Plan Concept & Components 5.1
Plan Drawing A successful park space generally has four key qualities that ensure the park is accessible, there are plenty of activities, the space is comfortable, and it is a sociable space7 as follows: •
A park with good accessibility relates well both physically and visually to the surrounding land uses, and it connects multiple user groups through the park in a reasonable fashion. •
A park with a variety of activities gives people something to do and a reason to return. •
A comfortable park space is one the presents itself well and feels safe, clean and aesthetically pleasing. •
A park with great sociability is one where people can meet and feel comfortable interacting with strangers, all the while creating a sense of place and community. These qualities have been considered in the development of the Duchess Park Plan to ensure that a great park space can be created for future generations. The overall design of the park attempts to strike a balance of achieving the vision, goals and objectives for the park. The plan was developed with great consideration of the relevant policies and input received from all stakeholders. The neighbourhood or community facilities have largely been located throughout the western edge of the park on Ross Crescent, while many of the recreational facilities have been located along the eastern boundary near the school to meet their recreational needs. Many of the desired facilities have been included in the plan to create a park space that meets these various needs. Some facilities have not been included as other opportunities exist nearby (i.e. skate park) or there is not enough room for larger or duplicated facilities. The overall design is conceptual and will require further detailed site designs prior to development. 7
Source: Project for Public Spaces, “What Makes a Successful Place?”(http://www.pps.org/articles/grplacefeat/) 22 Duchess Park Plan µ
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5.2
Plan Components A number of park components were identified to meet the needs of the various park user groups. These components, along with their design criteria, are selected for inclusion in the park plan for the site. Trail System The tree‐lined trail system accommodates pedestrian and cyclist desire lines in the park for commuting and recreation purposes. These trails link to the school pathway system and to adjacent sidewalks. Trails are proposed in a 3 metre, compacted granular trail standard with the exception of a proposed paved link from 10th Avenue to the school. All Weather Field The synthetic turf field would include an American Football size field with an overlapping national size Soccer field. The field would be complete with sports lighting and 10’ high fencing. Spectator seating would be available on the adjacent grass berm east of the field. The existing natural surface field would remain until it would be replaced by the all weather field. Amphitheatre The amphitheatre would provide an outdoor stage and classroom. It would include curved seating angled towards a hard surface stage area. A covered structure, power and water access would accommodate special events. The amphitheatre would be orientated so the staging area receives natural lighting for the larger part of the day and spectators could take in the views of the Cutbanks and Connaught Hill. Accessible Playground The playground would provide access for children and caregivers to accessible play areas. Play areas would include traditional accessible play components, along with natural play and sensory elements. The playground would be connected to the larger system and outlying parking areas through a hard surface trail system. 25 Mini Bike Park The mini bike park would feature a mountain bike pump track one quarter of the size of a regular BMX track. Wooden rollers, jumps and bridges would be located within a dirt area featuring large boulders. The design would facilitate use for toddlers to adults and the track would be located near the playground and picnic areas to create a family destination area. Picnic Area The picnic area is located between the playground and mini bike park, to create a complementary use that provides an opportunity for families to recreate together. The area would be complete with picnic tables, waste receptacles and shade trees. Fenced Dog Park The fenced dog park would provide opportunities for people to let their dogs run and play off leash in a controlled environment. The area would be completely fenced and include fenced entrance and exit vestibules, along with a smaller fenced refuge area. The dog park would contain trees for shade, a water fountain, dog waste stations and other amenities for dogs. Multi‐Purpose Courts The Multi‐Purpose Court facility would have the potential capacity for multiple tennis courts, basketball hoops or in‐line skating/hockey. The facility is located near the existing fire hydrant to accommodate flooding for winter ice rink use. Parking Lot The paved parking lot would be pursued as required with a one‐way circulation system complete with angled parking on both sides. The parking lot would be located near the accessible playground and accessible parking would be located near the sidewalks and trails. 26 Duchess Park Plan Landscape Large shade trees would line the trails and park boundary and would be complimented by the existing trees, which together would create ample tree canopy throughout the park. Lawn areas would be located throughout with larger open spaces available for informal play, along with smaller refuge areas. Existing trees would be maintained and a formal planted sign bed at the major park entrance off of 10th Avenue. Site Furniture & Infrastructure Benches would be located throughout the trail system and park to create rest areas in desired locations and to take advantage of various viewscapes. Pedestrian lighting would be included on the trails running east to west through the park. Bollards would line the park along the street edge to control access. Regulation signage would outline the applicable bylaws and etiquette for park use. Arts & Culture The heritage of the site would be celebrated through interpretive signage and heritage tree programs, amongst other heritage elements. Public art would be included at strategic locations and would provide representation of various regional or community elements. 27 28 Duchess Park Plan 6.0 Plan Policies 6.1
Land Use, Facilities & Site Development The development of Duchess Park would include a number of policies to ensure that park facilities are developed and managed with consideration of community needs and available resources. All Weather Field 1. Pursue a synthetic turf all weather field complete with an American Football size field, an overlapping national size Soccer field, lighting, fencing and irrigation. 2. Locate the all weather field in the area of the existing, natural surface sports field and retain the existing unfenced sports field until the all weather field is constructed. 3. Pursue the implementation of a sport lighting design with a low impact to nearby residents. Recreation Facilities 4. Pursue a multi‐purpose hard surface court to accommodate up to 3 to 4 tennis courts, perimeter fencing, basketball hoops, tennis nets and lighting for winter ice sports. 5. Locate the multi‐purpose court near the fire hydrant to accommodate winter flooding for use as an ice rink. 6. Consider relocating the baseball backstop to accommodate a larger playing area. Amphitheatre 7. Create a multi‐use amphitheatre to accommodate outdoor theatre, concerts, art space, ‘Reading in the Park’ and other community events. 8. Locate the amphitheatre along an accessible trail and orientate the spectator seating to receive passive solar radiation, while accommodating views of Connaught Hill and the Cutbanks. 9. Include grass or hard surface spectator seating and a large hard surface stage area. 10. Pursue a covered structure for the amphitheatre and include power and water connections to accommodate events. Passive Facilities 11. Pursue the ‘Adopt‐A‐Picnic Table’ Program to create a picnic area for informal use and ensure that any other picnic tables are established to City standards. 29 12. Establish smaller areas for gathering or quiet enjoyment in the various shady and sunny pockets for comfortable, seasonal use. 13. Provide larger open space areas to accommodate informal play such as throwing a ball or Frisbee, flying a kite or playing tag. 14. Pursue benches through the ‘Adopt‐A‐Bench’ Program and place benches in strategic locations along the trails to take in the views of the Cutbanks and Connaught Hill and to provide rest areas. Ensure that any other benches are established to City standards. 15. Utilize Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles of access control, surveillance, territoriality and maintenance to accommodate safe, comfortable use of the site.
16. Locate bear‐proof waste receptacles throughout the park at high use locations and at entrance/exit points, and ensure that they meet City standards. 17. Incorporate a major park sign at the western edge of the park in line with 10th Avenue.
18. Consider the inclusion of a water fountain as a drinking source, preferably situated in a central location within the park.
Accessible Playground 19. Pursue a playground that is accessible to children and their caregivers through rubberized surfaces, ramping systems and accessible trails. 20. Feature playground components for all children, but primarily for children with physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. 21. Incorporate natural play and sensory elements (sand, water, wood), along with stylized elements as play features. 22. Connect all of the play areas through an accessible, hard surface pathway system. 23. Include access to the playground through paved, multi‐use trails and curb drops at parking areas. Mini Bike Park 24. Pursue a mini mountain bike park facility complete with rollers, jumps and bridges in a small pump track. 25. Locate the facility near the accessible playground and picnic area to provide opportunities for family recreation. 26. Pursue the mini mountain bike park facility through partnerships and sponsorships with local community groups and organizations. 30 Duchess Park Plan Fenced Dog Park 27. Include a fenced dog park to provide an area for off leash use and socialization for pets and their owners. 28. Locate the facility at the old school’s former parking area to limit disturbance to adjacent residents with this lower impact park use, and to take advantage of the existing surfacing and fencing. 29. Include a fully fenced facility complete with enclosed entrance/exit vestibule areas and a smaller fenced area for small dogs or quieter play opportunities. 30. Pursue trees, a dog water fountain, waste stations with bag dispensers, and signage through potential partnerships to deliver many of these amenities. 31. Ensure that the environment is controlled and the use conforms to relevant City bylaws for off leash use. 6.2
Vegetation & Environmental A significant greening of the park space is required to create a park setting and to meet the community objectives for this area. Currently the site is largely devoid of vegetation due to the demolition of the former Duchess School Secondary School facility. Only a few mature trees remain along with some trees that were planted around the sports field as part of the new school project. 1. Revegetate the site by retaining existing trees where possible and planting new ornamental shade trees to provide ample tree cover over time. 2. Incorporate layered planted areas with perennials, biennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees as well as edible landscaping. 3. Consider the inclusion of river rocks to connect with the regional significance of the rivers and to provide seating using larger boulders. 4. Establish lawn areas using a resilient and lower maintenance turf species as appropriate. 5. Utilize “Naturescape” principles by planting native or semi‐native species that provide habitat values, multi‐season interest, and minimal maintenance/water. 6. Mulch all of the trees to promote healthy growth and to limit watering. 7. Promote environmental objectives in the design and operation of the park through various resource management techniques. 8. Pursue the ‘Adopt‐A‐Tree’ Program to provide community opportunities to “green” the park and recognize important events, people and places. 31 9. Partner with community groups like Enhance Prince George to actively pursue landscape objectives. 10. Pursue recycling stations where appropriate. 6.3
Pedestrian & Bicycle Circulation The park area functions as a thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists travelling to and from the new Duchess Park School or to the Downtown core. These linkages should be preserved and accommodated as outlined in the Active Transportation Plan. A recreational trail loop is also desired in the park and would connect to the school and street infrastructure. 1. Provide an accessible trail system that includes a recreational loop and accommodates commuter circulation through the site. 2. Construct the trails to a minimum 3 metre wide Multi‐Use compacted granular trail standard, with a paved 3 metre Multi‐Use trail segment connecting 10th Avenue east to the school. 3. Accommodate the pedestrian desire lines from Duchess Secondary School to Ross Crescent at 10th Avenue and to the Four Post Hill through the trail system. 4. Connect the trail system to the existing hard surface pathway system on the Duchess Secondary School site as well as to the sidewalk system along Ross Crescent. 5. Provide trail access through the site from Four Post Hill to Renwick Crescent, as proposed in the Prince George Active Transportation Plan. 6. Provide emergency and maintenance vehicle access along trails by providing appropriate widths and heights for emergency vehicles and by including removable bollards at trailheads where required. 7. Include fixed bollards along the park boundary and at all other trailheads to limit vehicular access. Ensure they meet City standards and include appropriate spacing for accessible use. 8. Include pedestrian lighting along the major pedestrian routes from 10th Avenue to the school, and from Four Post Hill to Renwick Crescent. 9. Pursue an upgrade of the sidewalk along the park’s boundary on Ross Crescent and Renwick Crescent, and include street lighting and curb drops at trailheads or other appropriate locations. 10. Include secure bicycle racks near major use areas that would include the accessible playground, multi‐purpose court and the mini bike park. 32 Duchess Park Plan 6.4
Vehicle Access & Parking A number of parking opportunities are presently available at Duchess Park. The on‐street parking on Ross Crescent and Renwick Crescent provide ample parking opportunities. The two parking lots at the adjacent Duchess Park School may also provide some parking opportunities when school is not in session. Should this parking supply prove to be insufficient with an increase in parking demand by park users, a future parking area could be pursued within the park. 1. Maintain the on‐street parking along Ross Crescent and Renwick Crescent with suitable on‐
street accessible parking infrastructure located near trail heads and near the accessible playground. 2. Pursue a parking lot within the park should a needs assessment of the park use prove that increased parking is warranted. The parking lot should be paved and include one‐way circulation, along with angled parking accommodations for up to thirty stalls. 3. Locate the parking lot near the accessible playground and include accessible parking stalls and curb drops. 4. Illuminate the parking lot with supplemented lighting, should street lighting be insufficient. 6.5
Arts, Culture & Heritage Duchess Park has many links to Prince George’s past and opportunities to celebrate arts, culture and heritage throughout the park are varied. 1. Celebrate the heritage of the park as it relates to the City Beautiful town site design and institutional school use. 2. Honour the Crescents neighbourhood by acknowledging the heritage homes. 3. Incorporate heritage interpretive signage that celebrates the heritage themes of the area. 4. Consider the incorporation of heritage themes in the selection or design of park amenities, such as lighting and signage. 5. Consider the dedication of park amenities to the various pioneer families. 6. Consider the establishment of a Heritage Tree Program and development of heritage gardens. 7. Include public art to celebrate the various themes of the park and locate the art in strategic park locations. 8. Celebrate a northern, rural Prince George theme with climbing art, rolling hills and other non‐
traditional elements throughout the park. 33 9. Partner with the local heritage, arts, neighbourhood or other community groups, associations and associations to deliver programs and amenities in the park. 6.6
Agreements The Duchess Park site was established through the Memorandum of Understanding agreement between the City of Prince George and the School District No. 57. The on‐going use of the site would be managed through the existing Joint‐use Agreement between the City and School District. 1. Pursue all of the obligations outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Prince George and the School District No. 57 for Duchess Park. 2. Follow the terms and conditions of the Joint‐Use Agreement between the School District No. 57 and the City of Prince George as it relates to the use, development and management of Duchess Park for community and school use. 6.7
Operations & Maintenance The establishment and ongoing management of various facilities and programs in the park will require a consideration of available resources, maintenance standards and park use. 1. Ensure that there is an operations and maintenance program for the park site that reflects the varied maintenance requirements for each facility or use area. 2. Provide an operational level of service consistent with a District Park classification. 3. Pursue enhanced facilities only where maintenance resources can be secured, with consideration of appropriate service level provisions. 34 Duchess Park Plan 7.0 Plan Implementation 7.1
Phasing The implementation of the Duchess Park Plan would be pursued in a phased approach. The first phase of development would occur as early as 2011 and would include base level park construction. Future phases would include enhanced park facilities that would be implemented over future years, subject to available resources of funding. Potential partnerships with various community groups would be pursued to create many of the larger facilities in the park, as well as some of the smaller scale elements. Additional funding sources could also include grant programs and other third party sources. 7.2
Cost Estimates The plan includes preliminary cost estimates that would be resolved further through the development of detailed designs for the park. These preliminary estimates have confirmed that an overall budget of a minimum of 2.7 million would be required to complete the plan in full. More than half of this amount would be required for the development of the all weather field. The detailed preliminary cost estimates are included in Appendix F. 35 36 Duchess Park Plan 8.0 Conclusion Through a unique partnership opportunity, the City acquired the Duchess Park site for the development of a community park that will serve local neighbourhood needs as well as those of the broader community. Duchess Park was originally conceived in the Brett Hall and Co. townsite plan as a prominent show piece for the community and its redevelopment for public recreational purposes will honor that history. The Duchess Park Plan was created to facilitate this development and included a great deal of input from the various community and school stakeholders who would ultimately become regular users of this new community park. The development of Duchess Park will not only meet these various community needs, but also fulfills the obligations required in the transfer of these lands to the City. The first phase of the park’s development would occur as early as 2011, with future phases to follow pending secured partnerships and funding sources. 37 38 Duchess Park Plan 9.0 Appendices Appendix A: Consultation Plan Appendix B: Public Input Boards Appendix C: Stakeholder Consultation All Weather Field User Group Meeting Summary (June 2009) Duchess School Phys. Ed. Faculty Meeting Summary (Dec. 2010) Appendix D: Survey Results June 2009 Public Input Survey November 2010 Public Input Survey Appendix E: Open House Presentation Boards Appendix F Preliminary Cost Estimates 39 Appendix A: Consultation Plan The Duchess Community Park Consultation Plan proposed below acknowledges the need to raise awareness and engage Prince George residents and stakeholders in the preparation of the Duchess Community Park Plan. This consultation would primarily occur through an Open House format, as well as through focus discussion groups. Once the consultation process for the plan has been fulfilled, City staff will summarize the feedback and recommend a Duchess Community Park Plan for Council’s consideration and adoption. 1)
Advertisement in local newspapers. A description of the Plan Open House, along with the time and location of the event will be advertised in the City Matters column of the Prince George Citizen’s Friday edition. 2)
Advertisement on the City’s web site. The Open House will be advertised on the ‘Duchess Community Park’ webpage and in the “Recent News” section of the City’s website. The Open House description will include a summary of the proposed plan, a copy of the Staff Report to Council, Open House time and location, City staff contact information, and a feedback form. 3)
Advertisement through social media. The Planning & Development Department will work directly with communications staff to advertise the Open House, input process and development plans through the use of social media that would include Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Flickr. 4)
Advertisement at Duchess Secondary School. City Staff will work with Duchess Secondary School Administration to advertise the Open House event through the school’s website, newsletter, bulletin boards and outdoor messaging system. 5)
Advertisement at regional health facilities. City Staff will work directly with the Prince George Regional Hospital, Northern Health Authority, Phoenix Medical Building and other institutional facilities in the area to advertise the Open House through the use of posters and website notices. 6)
Stakeholder Consultation Stakeholders to be consulted will include: a. land owners and occupants within the adjacent neighbourhood b. School District No. 57 Administration c. Duchess Park Secondary School faculty and students d. Committees of Council All stakeholders will receive a concise description of the plan along with a request for written comments. The Planning & Development Department will also offer to meet individually with stakeholders to discuss the plan. 7)
Public Open House Following appropriate notification, the Department intends to hold an Open House for the evening of Thursday, November 25th, 2010 at the Duchess Secondary School Atrium. The Open House will present stakeholders and members of the public with the proposed plan for consideration and comment. Those unable to attend the Open House will be able to access digital copies of the plan, image boards and feedback forms through the ‘Duchess Community Park’ webpage on the City’s website. The access terminal at City Hall and the Prince George Public Library will also be suggested as locations to view the plan and provide feedback. 8)
Duchess Secondary School Forums City Staff will work directly with the Duchess Secondary School Administration to hold a Student Forum and Staff Forum in order to facilitate discussion on the plan and its potential implementation. These Forums are anticipated to occur over the months of December 2010 and January 2011. Appendix B: Public Input Boards Facility Input Board Summary Note: Support is indicated by the number of dots. Facilities are listed in order of support indicated. FACILITY # DOTS COMMENTS ƒ just another place for dogs to do their thing ƒ barking ƒ to get people to live downtown, they want a place to walk their dog ƒ very popular area for dog owners FENCED OFF ƒ I should not have to go 15mins away to let my dog run around! This is very, very needed! 34 LEASH AREA ƒ Moore’s Meadow supports human/wildlife conflict bears and off leash dogs do not mix! ƒ we definitely don’t have enough of these in pg and this would be a very convenient location for many dog owners ƒ more off‐leash dog areas in the downtown core are needed ƒ garage cans ƒ Moore’s Meadow + Ginters not most convenient location for dog owners in core area ƒ have bio degradable bags for cleaning up feces ƒ concentrate the excrement in a small area! ƒ using CPTED and native species ƒ great opportunity to use as a demo area for native plants ƒ paved trails, lights, on outside parameter – safety (perimeter) ƒ features related to Mountain Biking (rollers, jumps, bridges) TRAILS ƒ mountain bike ‘Pump track” ¼ size of the BMX track 34 ƒ think Fort George Park ƒ connecting trails to provide pedestrians with direct routes though the area ƒ running ƒ plant trees and other plants that encourage birds ƒ metal stairs down “4 post hill” so we can go to the park and bike trail to get bikes up ƒ keep existing trees ƒ outdoor education programming ƒ kite construction and regalia ƒ playground with trees PLAYGROUND ƒ natural play space (using native species) 28 ƒ no water park, we need to conserve water ƒ 9th Ave traffic ƒ natural play spaces – i.e. hills, rocks for climbing ƒ not the typical playground equipment ƒ sidewalk in McBride crescent FACILITY # DOTS COMMENTS ƒ we need all weather sports field in PG could be used by many of the season sports programs ƒ what about noise + light pollution? Crowds + stadium lighting are not welcome ƒ not positive about a space that will not be accessible by the citizens at all times or at least during “park” hours, such as the lawn bowling park ƒ put at Masich Place ‐ needed! ALL‐
WEATHER FIELD ƒ save cost of stands, lights ƒ booking does not depend on opening school for changing facilities 28 ƒ this would not be well suited for this park, should go over at the Rotary Soccer park ƒ consider other sites for what is a drive‐to facility ƒ yes + plus trail ƒ fenced area that would not be accessible to school students during lunch hour – school’s “viewing” would face 8’ fence ƒ review change room access at school through the gym only? ƒ can the funding be secured/constructed be arranged in time for the federal grant? ƒ will provide much needed early spring/late fall for a number or user groups such as: soccer, rugby, football, lacrosse. In order to be competitive and be able to host events we need space to play! BIKE SKILLS AREA 18 ƒ safe place for kids to learn & have fun on their bike ƒ a progressively fun area that keeps kids learning ƒ mini skate park ƒ basketball HARD SURFACE COURT ƒ mini bike ƒ skill park 17 ƒ small mountain bike park ƒ mini skate park/basketball ƒ mini bike park ƒ would be useful to school to be at least 4 courts. 3 courts is not enough for a teaching station ICE RINK/ SKATING 11 ƒ use the space for something special and beautiful ‐ this is the opportunity ƒ bringing the community together COMMUNITY GARDEN ƒ everything to build the community 10 ƒ be unique do NOT support high density housing ƒ space for seniors ƒ support high density housing BANDSHELL 5 ƒ our neighbourhood has no community centre, it would be nice to have, at the least, an outside gathering area i.e. Ampitheatre/Bandshell (provide seating) FACILITY # DOTS COMMENTS WATER PARK 4 ƒ No Comments COMMUNITY KITCHEN 4 ƒ communities that cook and eat together grow together! Learn new techniques and share diversity of culture 3 ƒ mini park to save damage to downtown buildings and railings 2 ƒ downward facing so doesn’t obscure the sky 1 ƒ Compliment bandshell/amphitheatre/ with electricity/water/covered sitting spaces 1 ƒ areas that celebrate the views of surrounding topography – cutbanks, Connaught hill 1 ƒ drought tolerant plantings 1 ƒ Preserve main gym of current school for 24/7 community use, impeding by school functions. Uses could include meetings, theatre, sports 0 ƒ No comments SKATE PARK LIGHTING OUTDOOR FESTIVAL SPACE SEATING AREAS DEMO. XERISCAPE GARDENS INDOOR MULTI‐
PURPOSE BBQ PITS ƒ proper lighting that won’t interfere with the residents enjoyment of their homes Programming Input Board Summary Note: Support is indicated by the number of dots. Facilities are listed in order of support indicated. GROUP Seniors # DOTS PROGRAMMING IDEAS ƒ wheelchair accessible paths for easy access for both seniors and people with disabilities especially since this will be the only green space near the hospital and new cancer centre 19 ƒ heritage inter‐festive signage ƒ heritage signage (KGV etc) ƒ heritage signs outside the houses naming previous tenants and events on the street ƒ multi age facilities, youth seniors, students and families ƒ family nature clubs ƒ community gardening: demonstrations of gardening, composting workshops Families 8 ƒ Community garden! No more lawn! ƒ picnic area ƒ paved bike/rollerblade trail around perimeter similar to College Heights secondary ƒ music‐nightly‐ such as Parks Alive musical performances/concerts in Kelowna parks Students 4 Special Needs 3 Youth (Teens) 2 ƒ Shakespeare in the park (summer theatre performances) ƒ we have a special need to build community and a special community in need ƒ hard surface trails wheelchair/friendly trails with gardens , shrubbery and trees ƒ after school programs including the arts; drama, free art skills like life drawing, etc accessible, free and interesting ƒ community sports teams –intra‐mural Adults ƒ theatre outside 1 ƒ even with the three beautiful gyms the new school will have‐I think the grand gym @ this school should be preserved‐both as a heritage monument for 24/7 community use, unimpeded by school functions ƒ outdoor education programming ƒ kite construction and regalia ƒ playground with trees Children 1 ƒ outdoor education programming ƒ kite construction and regalia ƒ Playground (with trees!) ƒ “Sprokids” learn to ride programs (Cycling/Mountain biking 8‐12 years of age see PGCC (Prince George Cycling Club) Appendix C: Stakeholder Consultation All Weather Sport Field User Group Meeting Summary ‐ June 2nd, 2009 Attendance ƒ
PG Minor Football ƒ
Prince George Youth Soccer ƒ
UNBC Rugby ƒ
PG Women’s Rugby ƒ
SD#57 Rugby ƒ
Wolfpack Rugby (Juniors) ƒ
Spruce City Minor Boys Softball ƒ
PG Minor Girls Softball ƒ
SD#57 Football ƒ
PG Rugby Submissions in writing ƒ
PG Disc Sports ƒ
Spruce City Men’s Fastball ƒ
Men’s Flag Football Lisa Shaw‐MacLaren ƒ
Overview of potential project and grant opportunity ƒ
Time line for submission to council and grant application ƒ
If successful with funding, timeline for completion of project ƒ
View of potential site and park features Summary Written support from all groups received with the exception of PG Disc Golf. This size of field is not desired for Disc Golf Sports. Written comments received for the above noted groups and were consistent with the following comments; ƒ
Our climate limits early season use and late season use damaging turf and restricting use on natural playing surfaces ƒ
No “home” for football ƒ
Provide opportunities to host championship tournaments ƒ
Want to achieve a higher level of play by extending the seasons ƒ
Provide opportunities for football training camps ƒ
Football and rugby seasons in Prince George is not conducive with the natural turf grass season, causing extensive damage and costly turf repairs for the City annually ƒ
Need facilities in comparison to community similar is size such as Kamloops and Kelowna ƒ
An all weather sport field would increase opportunities for youth and adult recreation ƒ
Increase tournament capacity Current User Group Membership Prince George Youth Soccer – 2800 Football – 600 Flag Football – 180 Rugby – 300 SD #57 – Duchess Park Students 900 Women’s Soccer – 500 Men’s Soccer ‐ 480 Duchess Secondary School Physical Education Faculty – December 14, 2010 Discussion Summary A focus group discussion was held on December 14, 2010 with the Physical Education faculty from the Duchess Secondary School. The discussion confirmed the school’s specific physical education curriculum needs and desires for the adjacent community park. The outcome of the discussion is as follows: ‰ The Phys Ed curriculum requires activity zones for 3 to 5 classes at one given time. These outdoor zones would be in use for 4‐5 months of the school year, or roughly 50‐60% of the school year. ‰ The activity zones would ideally consist of the sports field, 4‐court tennis facility, softball diamond and flat, lawn area for outdoor volleyball courts. Preferably these zones would be close together vs. disbursed, as the teachers must remain within earshot of each other and their associated activity group. ‰ The proposed hard surface court would include a 4‐court tennis facility, as 4 courts enable a teaching environment through the Phys Ed program while 3 courts is too limiting. The court would be used in the off season as an ice rink surface for the school’s ice hockey program. ‰ Exterior basketball courts are less of a priority as the gymnasium contains 3 basketball courts. ‰ The school will require priority use of the sports field and tennis courts for the Phys Ed program and school sports programs. Typically use of these facilities falls within school hours or directly after school during the week. ‰ The All Weather Field would not be supported at this site if the school does not receive priority use, both during the day and in the evening, over other community groups. As there is not enough space to construct a second sports field at this location, tournament capability would be limiting. For these reasons, the All Weather Field may be considered at an alternate location such as Masich Stadium or Rotary fields, which are more central to the community and user groups. ‰ The Mt. Bike facility and playground are recommended to be located at the northwest end of the park along Ross Crescent near the proposed dog park. The amphitheatre is recommended north of the sports field, to take advantage of the berm and low use of this location. The tennis court facility and open lawn area is recommended west of the main parking lot, while the ball diamond is recommended west of the sports field. ‰ An internal trail between the sports field and proposed ball diamond is not recommended as it would encourage a bypass route that would disrupt the Phys Ed activity groups. Appendix D: Survey Results June 2009 Survey Results Total Survey Respondents = 71 1. How many years have you lived in the Crescents Neighbourhood area? (area bounded by Carney Street, 1st Avenue escarpment, Vancouver Street and 15th Avenue) less than 5 yrs (39%) 6 to 10 years (13%) more than 10 years (41%) 2. Do you or members of your family use the existing Duchess Park School grounds for recreation purposes? Yes (62%) No (38%) If so, how often? Multiple times/week (55%) Once/week (30%) Once/month (15%) 3. What recreation purposes have you or members of your family used the existing Duchess Park School grounds for? (check all that apply) School Sports Programs (9%) Walking (33%) Soccer (13%) Dog Walking (18%) Football (9%) former Playground at KGV Elem. (11%) Basketball (5%) Summer Camps (0%) Baseball/Slo Pitch (2%) Other (#of responses): Frisbee (4), Picnics (3), Running (3), Play with Children (2), Mt.Bike/Cycling (2), Playing Catch (2), Flying a Kite (1), Reading (1), Relaxing (1) & Yoga (1) 4. What new or upgraded park or recreation facilities do you feel are a priority for development in Duchess Community Park? (check all that apply) Sports Field (13%) Playground (18%) Ball Diamond (4%) Fenced Off Leash Area (21%) Basketball Court (7%) Trails (21%) Tennis Court (10%) Open Turf Areas (6%) Other (#of responses): Picnic Areas (6), Gardens (6), Mt. Bike Tricks (5), Ice Rink (5), Trees (4), Benches (3), Running Track (2), Pond (2), Volleyball (1), Amphitheatre (1), Water Feature (1), Bike Racks (1), BBQ Pits(1), Bandshell (1), Recycling Bins (1), Sports Fieldx2 (1) & Retain existing Gym (1) 5. Are you a member of a community group with a specific interest in Duchess Community Park? Yes (26%) No (74%) If so, what are your specific group interests in this park? Sports Fields (3), Mt. Bike Park (3), Greenspace (2), All Weather Field (1), Disc Sports (1), Community Gardens (1), Trails (1), Playground (2), Pond (2) & Seniors Recreation (1) 6. Do you have any additional comments? ƒ
This neighbourhood has very few green spaces and sitting places. A focus on simple relaxation and living should be the priority of this park ‐ a smaller outdoor living room for our neighbourhood ƒ
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Please, Please, Please allow dogs! As a young family wanting to live downtown, there is not enough greenspace for both our dog to run and our young children to play. This would be an ideal opportunity to plan a space for all generations: i.e. Playground for children, paved paths for seniors in wheelchairs (or people with disabilities) off leash dog area, trees, picnic tables & benches for families to interact and lounge. This is also the biggest, closest green space to the hospital, long term care facilities + new cancer centre. It would be a nice area for patients to go and relax. Give us better access via four post hill. Getting too old to slide down the gravel hill. Do not lend to big plans nobody will be happy in the end. Make sure that you leave some/lots of green. We have enough concrete around us already. Do not make a checkerboard of little concrete lots!! The staircase between Ross crescent has been on the city's promise list at every meeting have gone to for the last 30 years But…we need more 'natural' green space in this entity! Playground not a typical structure but a natural play area using hills, rocks, etc Please plant lots of trees! Maintain park ‐ garbage cans
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It would be very important to have areas for garden/tree patches (i.e. areas where people can sit/relax/find shade/picnic/ anyways you get the point) ƒ
Keep the school + park grounds in clean condition ‐ the existing school grounds are a "dump" literally ƒ
I would like to see more cultural and artistic endeavours blended with the physical sports as to broaden one's mind as well as the body Cycling is a huge industry evolving in P.G with four bike shops within walking/riding distance it makes sense to put a bike related park in the middle of them ƒ
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The whole city has a vested interest in this site, not just Crescents. Please consult with Community Heritage Commission + consider salvaging artifacts from original section of building. I realize the new school will have 3 huge gyms, but there's never enough indoor sports facilities in this city. Community use of those gyms will always take a second place to school uses. I feel quite strongly that many groups would be interested in using the main gym of the existing ƒ
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school and having it available 24/7 for community meetings, craft fairs, sport + theatre presentations. The gym could also serve as a landmark + heritage monument, commemorating the other heritage buildings that once occupied this site. Would be nice to see a hockey rink that is meant for Hockey in the winter and tennis in the summer. Get some flood lights and stuff, I think it would be awesome. An off leash dog area is needed within an urban area of the City! Too many of the off leash areas are asking for human/wildlife/dog conflicts. There are already too many tennis courts in idle all over town. It would be a tragedy to have two sports fields when the city has amazing facilities available at UNBC and the Rotary fields. It should be focused on green infrastructure complimented by walking and running trails, a pond which could be used as an ice rink in the winter. Plenty of benches for seniors. A community garden where residents can compost, grow food and plant flowers. Along the trail there should be circuit exercise installations. A community centre which would provide social services and supports kids and families. I would like to see a Bandshell My concern is the plan for multi family residences at the edge of this park. There are no elementary schools in this area ‐ what type of design will this be? ƒ
The park seems like a great addition to the community. I am concerned about the location of proposed housing because it would block off access to the park/greenspace for people on Ross ƒ
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Good plan The area only has room to support one playing field. If there was two fields the other values of a community park would be lost Please keep in mind the downtown resident who walks/bikes and wants to play downtown. Dog park extremely important A park focused on pedestrians would be best ‐ permanent concrete chess tables, seats and tables, big beautiful sculptures and art work. This park could be a place to meet and spend time with friends and neighbours. Now there is Fort George park but it is far from this community. There is a kid’s park in Santiago and their playground is made of big, climbing pieces of art. Dragons and trees that are brightly painted pieces of art that are designed for climbing, exploring, hiding and discovery. Everyone who walks by has their imagination sparked, and for sure, the kids. Create something special, bright and unique. There is the opportunity! Not just another soccer field. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ‐ Helen Keller Hopefully it will look great. Tennis court is a great idea because you could also turn it into a hockey arena ƒ
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Multi use area: School, youth, seniors and pet owners. Lighting a necessity to prevent vandalism + promote safety ƒ
Dog off leash area can work ‐ dog owners in the neighbourhood already use the school ground that way and most are responsible users ƒ
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Any lighting should be downward facing only!!
Question regarding North property: e.g. The old student parking lot and future of the area This school will be amazing ƒ
Cycling is evolving everywhere, including PG, into a choice sport. By providing a jump park for mountain bikes, new members to the sport a place to develop their skills. ƒ
I am not in favour of an all ‐ weather sports field on this site. The park is to serve the area residents who require green space; sports facilities of this nature will draw participants in vehicles and can therefore be located in other less central areas of the city We need public washrooms ƒ
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My dogs and I have enjoyed using this field year round. I would love to have this continue The all weather field is absolutely needed for this city to host and compete at provincial level in a number of sports ƒ
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Good lighting Bring FT George Park features to Duchess place: such as flowers, water features, community centre, Places to picnic perhaps a community entrance. People want and need a place to relax meet other people safely. Fort George park is a multi use park because it has places to sit, trails to walk, road lighting, beautiful flowers, water features and trees. We want more trees after the pine beetle! I can see this being a real asset to the neighbourhood with a variety of uses ‐ walking paths, mixed in with playground area, community garden, courts, dog area. There is a real mix of families who live in this area so would benefit all Low cost living for seniors nearby would be great for all people
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No dog park! Would be used from many outside of neighbourhood (Noise, parking, cleanup etc) ƒ
9th avenue 1800 block between Winnipeg and Edmonton is very narrow, and has a lot of traffic, very bad to back out of drive way, tough to walk across the street Park would be an ideal spot for BBQ's, picnics, family gatherings and evening events. Would like to see covered picnic tables, small auditorium. Fenced off leash area needed, doesn't really matter where! Totally object to a dog park. Anything considered should respect neighbourhood need for quiet time after school hours. I.e. No sports fields, courts etc that could bring large crowds ‐ late in the evening and weekends. Sport fields are used for only small parts of the year and therefore not a great idea. Paths, trees, seating, walk on checkerboard, picnic tables It is so important to have green space to go to ‐ walk/rest in!! As new grandparents ‐ with a small swing less backyard we would like a natural someplace to walk to with our grand children. ƒ
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We are very happy to hear of a proposed plan for a park in our neighbourhood, which would include walking trails. There are an increasing number of seniors making their homes in the Crescents area and these people, many with small dogs, need a place close by to walk and enjoy the outdoors. However, it is a concern that the plan for multilevel housing, supposedly a senior’s complex, will be built in close proximity to the proposed all weather lit playing field. Would not senior citizens be happier living in a building situated away from this lit field and the new high school? Would it not be better planning to develop multilevel housing along the area facing Ross Crescent? Locating the proposed seniors housing facing Ross Crescent would reduce both noise and light pollution from the adjacent field and school grounds. We would be interested in knowing the reasons for the housing development planned for the area now proposed. November 2010 Survey Results Total Survey Respondents = 150 1. What would make you visit Duchess Community Park? Response # of Reponses Bike Park 61 Activities for all ages/levels 22 Dog Park 15 Skate Park 14 Open green space 12 Trees & landscaping 11 Trails 9 Beautiful or interesting surroundings 8 Live nearby 8 Sports fields 7 Playground 6 Amphitheatre 5 Sports/Exercise 5 All Weather Field 4 Hard Surface Courts 4 4 Ice Rink Safe & clean areas 4 Beach Volleyball Courts 3 Picnic Area 3 Tennis Courts 3 Accessibility 2 Sidewalks on Ross Crescent 2 Benches 2 Football 2 Lighting 2 Other (1 response each): Adopt‐A‐Tree, Cancer memorial setting, community events, good weather, indoor basketball, indoor foam pit, have to (school), interesting features, music system, native plants, northern theme, rock climbing wall, rest and relaxation, supervision at bike park, things to buy, to gather, to read, waste/recycling stations and a water feature 2. What do you think is missing from the Park? Response # of Reponses Bike Park & components (i.e. jumps, wall ride, etc.) 52 Skate Park 15 Water feature/fountain 6 Lighting 5 Softball/baseball field 5 Benches 5 More activities for children/youth 4 Accessible trails 4 More parking 4 Picnic shelter 3 More tennis or hard surface courts 3 Beach volleyball courts 3 Water Park 3 Washrooms 3 Bleachers/stadium 2 Basketball court 2 Public art/sculpture 2 Football field 2 Waste/recycling stations 2 Clean areas 2 Other (1 response each): All Weather field, better field, cobblestone paths, convenience store, divided dog park (small/large dogs), dog agility, First Nations heritage, green grass, heritage signage, hills, ice rink, indoor foam pit, long grass, memorial centre (Cancer Lodge & School District) music system, naturalized areas path from Ross Crescent to school, new sidewalk on Ross Crescent, outdoor fitness gym, Performing Arts Centre, rock climbing wall, second soccer field, size, scoreboard, solar powered lights, trail and trees 3. If you could pick 3 things to add to the Park, what would they be? Response # of Reponses Bike Park & components (i.e. jumps, wall ride, etc.) 39 Skate Park 17 Water Park 8 Playground 6 Trails 6 Picnic shelter 6 Benches 6 BMX track 5 Dog Park 5 Picnic tables 5 Ice rink 5 Public art/heritage 5 Trees 4 Basketball court 4 Beach volleyball courts 4 Pond 3 Bike activities 3 Outdoor pool 3 Washrooms 3 More parking 3 Drinking fountain 3 Tennis courts 3 Covered Amphitheatre 2 Landscaping/flowers 2 Waste/recycling stations 2 Bleachers 2 Lighting 2 Lighting around playground 2 Football field w/ uprights, gear room 2 Other (1 response each): All Weather field, BBQ pits, benches in dog park, bike rack, bikini party, botanical gardens, chill zone, chocolate factory, convenience store, covered dog walking area, dugouts, everything, field lights, fun box, grass, improved trail from school to Ross Crescent, indoor foam pit, indoor skate park, indoor skating, joint‐use parking, large hockey rink, memorial setting, more of everything, music system, northern/native plant garden, outdoor concession, parking like Fort George Park, rock climbing wall, rollercoaster, Ross Crescent sidewalks, scented plants, shady area, scoreboard, security cameras, skate park in the Hart, squash court, squirrel/bird feeder, swings, umbrellas, unorganized space, vending machines, winter trail maintenance 4. Additional Comments ‰ A park mimicking Fort George Park would be nice ‰ This is awesome ‰ Looks pretty sick, looking forward to visiting ‰ Please, just please, like please we need this chocolate factory so the poor can be happy, please put up the chocolate factory ‰ I would walk to and through the park to access downtown from my home ‰ Stairs between Ross & McBride ‰ Great Job! I hope everything works out ‰ Amphitheatre would not be needed because most activities happen at Fort George Park ‰ Take out amphitheatre ‐ would not get much use; Bike Park is a good idea ‰ Great to see focus on the "community" wants. Don't know if the multi‐purpose court is needed; Tennis courts throughout the City ‰ Multi‐use court doesn't seem to be needed; who plays tennis? Lots of courts around. Great to see the community's voice being heard ‰ Good incorporations of elements for all demographics and age groups. I particularly like the idea of making it more accessible to members of the community that are disabled. My one critique would be to add more First Nations history into the heritage objective ‐ possibly through the use of native plants. ‰ I like the green space, it would be nice to see a water feature and statues or art mixed in with the flower beds. I would also like to see the path cleared of snow in winter for runners. ‰ Add angled parking along Ross Crescent. Liability of SD 57 for harm due to mountain bike skills park injuries. Making a draw that will cause students to stay away from school. ‰ Need water fountain ‰ Strategically place the field light so that they shine towards the school, not the homes. ‰ As was demonstrated on presentation board, good deal and should be people‐oriented ‐ not certain artificial turf is really needed. Grass is good and environmental friendly. ‰ No dog park and no amphitheatre ‐ more room for gym classes ‰ Please add skateboard area ‰ Football ‰ Football ‰ I love this idea. I want to have trails, trees, playground. Go big or go home! ‰ The only thing is not to try to put too much in, don't be afraid to let it be a big green space and trees. ‰ We really like the concept plan ‰ The concept plan looks fantastic. Can't think of any more suggestions. ‰ I have lived in this area for three years and I have had problems with youth gathering and involved with drugs. There is a bike park by the "Y" already. I like the ideas you have come up with, so big trees on walkway and doggie park. ‰ We look forward to greenspace replacing the decrepit school ‰ I would add nothing physical in the way of structures. However, it would be nice if there were a regular and frequent police presence; Off‐street parking is a necessity. We live on McBride Cres ‐ streets are not practical for parking on in winter. ‰ The parking is not good ‐ need to change location to more traffic areas. Current location has little traffic. ‰ Avoid high‐intensity lighting like found at stadium; lots of green space ‐ not too much sport field. ‰ I think the proposed plan looks good, my concern is that there won’t be money and the area will be left dirt and dusty. Concerned that the park won’t be completed in a timely manner. ‰ I would be careful with plantation around amphitheatre as I really like the idea of expanding it. Do Not put parking as stated please. I like the idea of angled parking all the way up the street like Fort George Park; I would like to see the kids playground moved up by the multi‐purpose court and make 2 or more ball diamonds where the playground is; Need more lighting to help prevent vandalism ‐ the old school used to give a fair bit of light, now there is none; Would really like to see the multi‐purpose field used as an ice rink in the winter; Amphitheatre is a great idea. Could have fun with concerts there; To help with funds, I like the idea of "Adopt‐a‐Tree" ‐ encourage residents to get involved by paying for the tree plantation and use the tax money for developing the park further; I would also like to see a "mini" track in the dog park to allow jogging with your dog; I really like the idea of the trail surrounding the park. I would also suggest having an "info board" with the distance all the way around for exercise purposes. ‰ Keep up the great work ‰ The entire plan seems to be very well managed. Good job. ‰ No comment ‐ everything is okay ‰ This is a great start! Will definitely improve the Crescents and surrounding areas. ‰ Where do kids, dads and moms kick a soccer ball, play catch, football, fly a kite, fly a remote control plane? ‰ Very happy with proposal ‰ I am concerned about dense growth shrubbery and trees. This would be presenting a safety issue (for example ‐ students walking home at night after practice). Fix / repair 4 post walkway; Amphitheatre seems to be placed taking up a lot of prime area that could be used for play (ie. frisbee); People already have to park on road when event at DPSS. Winter would be even more hazardous. ‰ I like the idea of the multi‐purpose court so it has potential for winter use as a skating rink. Excellent multi‐
purpose concept plan ‰ The dog park would also benefit if there was a few props to train your dog with (ex: tunnels, ramps etc.). An animal playground to run through. Many people around this area likely don't know about this survey. I hope I can speak for the many dog owners that use the field in the past. ‰ I believe that some type of bike park in general would be a great use of this space , it is central , there are a lot of facilities for many other sports such as soccer field , ice rinks tennis courts etc around the city and yet we only have 1 bike park . Biking is a large part of our city as we sustain 5 bike shops year round ( high per capita ) . with the push for kids to get out and get healthy biking is a great choice for all ages ‰ Build a place for people to bike so they leave the parking lots ‰ bike park please ‰ Spending most of my time in Metro Vancouver I see how beneficial bike park areas are to people of all ages. Kids spend hours upon hours there developing skills and having fun all while staying out of trouble. It’s a win win for everyone! ‰ I would come ride bikes there if there was a mtb park ‰ I strongly support the development of a simple, well‐constructed, mountain bike park like the one shown ‰ Go for it, it will help the community get together more, and support the youth of Prince George ‰ geter done ‰ It’s difficult to anticipate the direction that community recreation takes, but by offering access to recreational opportunities to a wide age group and interest group, you can increase usage ‰ I support the idea of the mini mountain bike park. This is positive recreation for children and would promote physical activities and social interaction. I also think a play area for younger children would be a huge benefit to the community. It could include seating and tables for families to sit and visit at while the kids explore the playground. Lastly, I think a trail for year‐round use that winds around and through the park would be great. Parents could teach children how to ride bikes in a safe (and traffic free) environment and adults could walk and run the track. ‰ Biking is a healthy, low‐cost activity. Prince George has produced a number of world class bike riders. We should be embracing this and giving those riders the opportunity to be positive role‐models in this community. It's a very inclusive sport for all skill levels and demographics ‰ make it (bike park) gnarley and not by jhoots ‰ Even though this seems like a couple of gag comments but it would be beneficial to have a skills park. Consider how much the city has benefitted from giving the skateboarders a place to practice the same could be said of a local dirt jump skills park . There are lots of out of town people that would come to PG ride it which would in turn bring revenue to the city ‰ It would mean a whole lot to the local community. ‰ Whatever is put in the park should be at no cost to the public to access ‰ A (bike park) mulch pit would be nice too. :) ‰ If a Mtn bike skills park is made please ensure to build big jumps as well as all the other features, there is many people who wouldn't bother going if the park consisted of ladders and small table tops, please take the time to build big jumps for the experienced riders,, thank you and i really hope this goes through!!! ‰ I think this is a great idea ‰ Get PG on the mountain biking map of BC! ‰ I think this park should lesson the amount of ladder bridges and add more of the things we don’t have, eg. pumptrack and dirt jumps. Also there is already a skills park at the bottom of the Pidherny trails and we should be trying to promote all disciplines of riding not just trail riding. I do like the idea of getting young kids interested into the world of mountain biking and defiantly think there should be an area for the skills park but we should also be encouraging all forms of mountain biking to help get Prince George back into the biking scene. I completely support this park and what it will do for Prince George, and i hope that this does get built. ‰ I know plenty of people that would love for there to be a miniature bike park in Prince George ‰ Prince George has tons of tennis courts, and basketball courts‐ we need to do something that appeals to a different variety of people. If we could get an off leash park, that would encourage people to get out and exercise, or if we had another skate park, that would be HUGE to encourage kids in this town to do something productive rather than drink. Duchess Park should be thought of as an opportunity to do something different and to encourage people to get outside in whatever way we can....other then tennis ‰ like the one (bike park) in terrace put so big dj in there ‰ there is not much in the area for people to do on a mountain bike, I think it would keep more kids out of trouble ‰ I really am not kidding. Prince George would benefit so much from something like this (bike park) and if you want to see a bunch of adults/kids/teens having a great time, enjoying a park and being respectful check out the William’s Lake bike park. it looks beautiful and people of all ages use it ‰ PLEASE GIVE US THE MINI MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK. BIKERS WILL APPRECIATE THIS ‰ If the park will no include any of these additions, will the park allow BMX anyways? ‰ I think its a great idea, and it would be great for the community! ‰ Skatepark please ‰ A mini‐bike park/skills area would be such a great way to promote mountain biking throughout the community ‰ They should get a BMX/skate park on the hart highway for us kids up here have nowhere to ride ..and we often ride along the side of the highway on a little bank that’s lipped like a jump ..now isn’t that safe ? plz place a skatepark on the hart highway ‰ looks great! ‰ Thank you for taking the time to read my comments ‐ I really hope you consider the idea of a mini mountain bike park for Duchess Park. I am a young female who loves living in Prince George, but I feel like PG needs more places where mountain bike skills can be practiced safely! Thanks. ‰ seems like a great plan ‐ seems like a lot going into area that doesn't appear that large but seeing it on paper looks good ‰ build a skate park on the hart ! ‰ The main thing for me is safety for my kids, and variety of activities for different ages ‰ PG NEEDS A MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK. ‰ on hart ‰ I want a mini mountain bike park ‰ The all weather playing field could be located in many other locations in the city. Its use by the residents in this area is limited by fencing it. Keeping a grass field would better serve this area, and the school as well. ‰ skate park on the hart please ‰ biking rocks ‰ Great Ideas are in the mix and along with some obvious financial support and a core group of dedicated riders/ builders, it can be achieved ‰ n/a ‰ Prince George needs more places for young aspiring mountain bikers to go to practice and have fun! ‰ Mini Mountain bike park ‰ A fenced off all weather field at this location is not a good idea. The demographics of the neighbourhood are such that they would not utilize it. The people that would use it would have to likely drive there, increasing traffic volumes and noise. The stadium lights that would be used to light the field would also be disruptive to the locals. If people have to drive to the all weather field then they might as well drive to a more appropriate locale, not in the middle of a residential area. A more suitable spot for the field would be; Masich fields, Carrie Jane Grey park, Rotary fields, UNBC, not through the Crescents. A traditional field is fine at this location because it serves everyone; the local community, the school and the sports clubs. An all weather field at Duchess removes too much of the area from the park which excludes the local community residents and would have a negative impact on the people the park is meant to serve. ‰ Anything that is youth oriented and gives them something positive to do with their time should be encouraged. We need more community projects throughout the city to get kids off the street and out of mischief ‰ love the idea ‰ this would be a great thing to add to pg. just look at the success of the bike ranch in Kamloops ‰ Please allow for more space to create a world class bike skills park in PG. ‐pump track ‐ do NOT hire Jay Hoots. Keep it local, you have amazing skill and talent in PG, be original and do a better job than Williams Lake. ‐Check out LaFarge Park in Coquitlam. the local riders and the city worked together and have an amazing facility there ‰ not a MTB park a BMX or skateboard park please Appendix E: Open House Presentation Boards The Duchess site has a long history of educational use with the various schools that came before the most
recent Duchess Secondary School and King George V Elementary School. These schools contributed
immensely to community life, with the various arts and sporting events.
Under the City Beautiful Plan, “Duchess Park” was
envisioned to provide the central green space at the
centre of the Crescents that provides a terminus to 7th
Avenue and the vista to “Princess Park” a.k.a. City Hall.
Incorporate heritage interpretive signage that celebrates these heritage themes
Consider the incorporation of heritage themes in the Park amenities such as lighting, signage, and furniture dedicated to pioneer families
Partner with the Heritage Commission, Crescents Community Association and other groups to deliver heritage programs in the Park
Consider the establishment of a Heritage Tree Program and development of heritage gardens
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Duchess Community Park
Recognize the heritage of the Park in the City Beautiful movement, school and community use, and adjacent residential development
Photos courtesy of The Exploration Place
Pictured above is the Roland Harlow residence at the corner of
McBride Street and 10th Avenue in 1930. Harlow was the Canadian
National Railway Roadmaster in Prince George, BC. This existing
home is one of the many examples of the Crescent’s heritage.
Residential Development
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Heritage Objectives:
Schools
History of Duchess Park
A Place to honour the past …
Incorporate layered planted areas with perennials, biennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees as well as edible landscaping
Utilize “Naturescape” principles by planting native or semi-native species that provide habitat values, multi-season interest, and minimal maintenance/water
Promote environmental objectives in the design and operation of the park through various resource management techniques
Include an ‘Adopt-A-Tree’ Program to provide community opportunities to “green” the Park and recognize important events, people and places
Partner with groups like Communities in Bloom to actively pursue these landscape objectives
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Duchess Community Park
Revegetate the site by retaining existing trees where possible and planting new ornamental shade trees to provide ample tree cover over time
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Landscape Objectives:
A Place to connect with nature …
Pursue an All Weather appropriate for football and soccer amongst others, complete with lighting, fencing and scheduled use
Pursue a hard surface court to accommodate basketball, tennis or roller sports, with ice skating and hockey during winter months
Include a fenced Dog Park to provide an area for off leash use and socialization for pets and their owners
Provide larger open space areas to accommodate informal play such as throwing a ball or Frisbee, flying a kite or playing tag
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Duchess Community Park
Provide an accessible trail system that includes a recreational loop and accommodates commuter circulation through the site
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Recreation Objectives:
A Place to be active …
Pursue the ‘Adopt-A-Picnic Table’ Program to create picnic areas for informal use
Establish smaller areas for gathering or quiet enjoyment areas in various shady and sunny pockets for comfortable seasonal use
Celebrate the views of the Cutbanks and Connaught Hill by strategically placing benches that direct users to these views
Utilize Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to accommodate safe, comfortable use of the site
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Duchess Community Park
Create an Amphitheatre to accommodate an outdoor spectator space, art space, ‘Reading in the Park’ and community gathering
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Community Objectives:
A Place to gather or rest …
Incorporate natural play, sensory elements (sand, water, wood) and stylized elements into the Playground
Celebrate a northern, rural P.G. theme with climbing art, rolling hills and other non-traditional elements throughout the Park
Pursue a Mini Bike Park facility complete with rollers, jumps and bridges in a small pump track
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Duchess Community Park
Pursue an Accessible Playground for children with various disabilities through rubberized surfacing and ramp systems for caregiver access
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Youth & Family Objectives:
A Place for youth and families …
Duchess Community Park
Mission Sportsfields, Kelowna, BC
All Weather Field
Duchess Community Park
Accessible Playground & Natural Play
Duchess Community Park
Mini Bike Park Concept
Glen- Eagles,
West Vancouver
Inter River, North Vancouver
Duchess Community Park
Penzer, Langley
Burnaby
Bike Park Examples
Appendix F: Preliminary Cost Estimates Duchess Park Preliminary Cost Estimates (2011) Facility
Details
Turf Areas
supply, delivery & install - grading, growing medium & seeding
Vegetation
supply, delivery & install trees
supply, delivery & install landscape beds w/shrubs, perennials & grasses
Playground
supply, delivery & install of playground with surfacing/edging
supply, delivery & install of remaining play elements & access routes
$70,000
$130,000
Amphitheatre
supply, deliver & install of grass seating & hard surface stage
power and water access
$125,000
Basketball/
Tennis Court
All Weather
Field
supply, deliver & install of base prep, base materials & surfacing
supply, deliver & install of 4 basketball standards
supply, deliver & install of 3 tennis nets & 4 posts
fencing at 3.6m ht.
supply, deliver
supply, deliver
supply, deliver
supply, deliver
supply, deliver
& install of base, synthetic surfacing & concrete edging
& install of lighting (incl. lighting from Supply Services)
& install of 3.0m black vinyl chain-link fencing
& install of water cannons
& install of signage & benches
Off Leash
Park
supply, delivery &
supply, delivery &
supply, delivery &
supply, delivery &
Trails
supply, delivery & install of Multi-Use 3m wide asphalt trail
supply, delivery & install of Multi-Use 3m wide compacted granular trail
supply, delivery & install of removable metal bollards (2 per trailhead)
Lighting
supply, delivery & install of pedestrian lighting
Mini Bike Park
supply, delivery & install of Mt. Bike facilities
Site
Furnishings
Parking Lot
install - grading, growing medium & seeding
install - fencing at 1.2m ht.
install of dog waste stations & benches
install of dog water fountain
supply, delivery & install of
supply, delivery & install of
supply, delivery & install of
supply, delivery & install of
supply, delivery & install of
benches
waste receptacles
picnic tables
major park sign
wooden bollards along park boundary
supply, deliver & install of a paved parking lot with catch basins
Quantity
Estimate
1.8Ha
$144,000
80
2
$60,000
$15,000
0.14Ha
3 courts
2 courts
200m
$63,000
$10,000
$6,000
$24,000
1
400m
$1,250,000
$100,000
$56,000
$20,000
$15,000
0.4Ha
275
2 each
1
$32,000
$24,750
$10,000
$5,000
175m
400m
10
$35,000
$32,000
$3,000
8
$32,000
$75,000
5
3
3
1
180
$10,000
$5,000
$7,500
$10,000
$4,500
0.1Ha
$75,000
Sub-Total
15% Contingency
TOTAL
Note: New sidewalks and lighting along Ross Crescent and Renwick Crescent is estimated at $200,000. Lighting around the school on Winnipeg Street is estimated at $40,000. $2,448,750
$244,875
$2,693,625