A central hub park and three smaller pocket parks are what Polygon Homes is offering to build at the controversial Garibaldi Springs subdivision, which was approved by the council in 2018.
The 310-unit project pushed through the previous council with a 4-3 vote, despite strong opposition by local residents who saw the proposal as tempering with an ecologically sensitive area.
The developer, however, says most of the development is being restricted to areas that were previously disturbed, mostly within the golf course fairways.
On Tuesday, February 11, the council will have a look at the parks being proposed by Polygon.
The park maintenance will be done by the district, although an initial maintenance cost of $150,000 will be paid by Polygon. That annual payment will keep decreasing, however, as more homes are built and will eventually be the district’s responsibility.
The district didn’t say in the latest report how much it would cost to maintain the park.
The central Hub Park being proposed by Polygon will be accessed via Tantalus Road and the shared driveway with the Executive Inn Hotel.
The Hub Park will have existing ponds with a naturalized buffer and lookouts, surrounded by lawn areas, a bridge crossing linking the main park areas, a bike hub with washing stations, fix-it station and seating, public washrooms, and a fenced community garden.
A kids’ pump track, approximately 30m x 15m, will be located at the north of the park. A bike plaza providing picnic tables, bike racks and a wash station is also proposed.
A children’s play area, picnic tables and benches, open gathering space for events, public uses including power for events, a kids’ pump track, as well as wayfinding and interpretive signage are proposed.
A three-kilometre trails system within the park is also being proposed. Trails, Polygon says, would be based on existing disturbed areas.
Three smaller pocket parks are also being proposed. These parks connect to the existing trail network and will offer small areas to gather, with picnic tables, a bike skills area and a bike rack.
The draft plan for parks will be presented to council this Tuesday, following which the developer plans to host an open house for the community.
Susan B says
Open house is this Thursday from 6 to 8pm at Executive Suites Clubhouse.