Better care for parks tops survey

Prince George needs to improve its parks.

That's the overwhelming feedback from the city's survey, which collected responses from more than 700 about its upcoming park strategy. While 80 per cent gave that general feedback, more than half said the city should focus on better maintenance of facilities like playgrounds, washrooms, trails and flower beds.

The city was already well aware of the aging facilities and changing needs of the community after a staff report last July recommended a shift in approach. Council approved a process to start a strategy to find ways the city could improve facilities, and in some cases sell them off. The city has 124 parks, many of which were built in subdivisions with no requirement for upkeep.

A focus on riverfront parks and trails, improvements for neighbourhood parks and a desire for a connected city-wide trail system were the three most common themes among survey respondents, the report said.

Almost 500 people gave their opinions at in-person sessions and events, while 267 filled out online forms. Sixty-six per cent agreed with park priorities in their area.

Prince George's community coordinator said the city heard from every neighbourhood.

"Residents love city parks and they want a strategy," said Robyn McConkey in a statement.

"Public input is an important part of designing a long-term Park Strategy that will help to guide city decision making. This information will be used to develop a strategy to guide the city's park investment priorities."

The city will present its park strategy, developed over the summer, in October during "Talktober" neighbourhood discussions. The final park strategy is expected to be presented to city council in early 2017.