Phase one of public consultation for the Richmond Parks + Open Space Strategy consisted of a series of neighborhood meetings, organized through the Community Centre Associations by Parks and Recreation staff. A total of seven meetings were held during June and July 2011.
The intent was to inform and to obtain input on the Strategy from a cross-section of the people within the neighborhoods, from young to old with varying interests and ethnicities.
Guided by a facilitator from CitySpaces with support of City Parks Staff and Dillon Consulting, the seven meetings provided information on Richmond Parks + Open Space Strategy and the work completed to date. Participants were also led through a series of exercises to gain insight into the focus areas of the Open Space Strategy. The five areas of focus covered off in the meetings consisted of Connectivity; Green Network; Great Spaces and Experiences; Blue Network; and Health and Wellness. Participants were also provided an opportunity for further written feedback.
In general, most people were happy with the Parks + Open Space strategy system in its current form. Residents’ favorite places in Richmond were overwhelmingly Steveston, in general, waterfront and dyke trails, and Minoru Park. Some of the insights, themes and highlights from the meetings included the following;
- Increase opportunities for seniors to remain active;
- Consider a culturally themed, Chinese oriented, park;
- Increase communication, education and information (i.e. signage) to residents on current assets;
- Continue maintenance;
- Enhance existing parks with other features; washrooms, lighting, etc.; Increase bike routes and trail systems;
- Include places of solitude and sanctuary into the overall parks and open space system;
- Increase education related to ecosystems, resiliency and ecological networks.
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Andy Hiscox