The proposed Prince George Community Foundation and Rotary Mega Park, to be located on the southeast corner of Exhibition Park near the intersection of Ospika Boulevard and 22nd Avenue, will be back before city council on Monday.
In December, city council deferred a decision on the proposed park development until after the 2023 budget cycle. While the community foundation and Rotary Club of Prince George are looking to lead construction of the park, a city life-cycle cost report estimated that operations, maintenance and capital renewal projects would cost the city $68 million over 50 years.
“…(The) Prince George Community Foundation and Rotary Club of Prince George remain committed to the concept of a multi-purpose recreation facility (“Mega Park”) for the community and region,” foundation president Catherine Pennington wrote in a letter to city council. “The intention of this project is to create a public recreation space where families of all ages and abilities can come together and enjoy the outdoors in the same space. In addition to adding to the quality of life for residents, we believe this facility will increase revenue opportunities for the City of Prince George and this factor should be part of the decision-making process for this project.”
The proposed park would include a junior adventure park, youth adventure park, spray park, accessible playground, bicycle pump track, senior-friendly outdoor fitness station and other amenities.
The proposed Red Bull Certified Pump Track, could be a host location for events like the Red Bull UCI Pump Championships, creating tourism opportunities for the city, Pennington wrote.
“The Foundation and Rotary are also in early discussions with a number of community stakeholders about operating on site,” she added. “If these partnerships come to fruition this could mean potential decreased costs of maintenance and security for the City.”
