With a vast expanse of parks equaling roughly five times the size of Vancouver's Stanley Park, the City of Prince George is looking to the public to help focus its spending.
With feedback, the city will decide where to invest in park and outdoor recreation facilities. It has 124 parks to choose from. Most -- about two thirds -- are smaller neighbourhood parks created in the 1970s. But that large number only represents 6.5 per cent of the total park space.
"Prince George residents value their parks and the city wishes to improve them," said Lyn Hall, in a statement calling on participation from residents. in a release. "Your input is important and will help to shape the future of parks within your neighborhood and the community at large."
The public forums and online forms, found on www.princegeorge.ca starting April 26, will inform the city's park strategy.
Residents previously told the city they value parks and wish to see them improved, said the city, pointing to the 2014 Community Recreation Services Plan (CRSP), Talktober, and the 2010 Active Transportation Plan.
"Funding for parks operations has remained low relative to many other similar sized communities over the years, while costs continue to increase and community demands grow," said Kathleen Soltis, city manager, in a statement. "We want to work together with residents to improve our parks for the benefit of all."
A report on the strategy will be presented to city council April 25 and the draft strategy will be presented to residents for a final round of feedback during this fall's Talktober period of neighborhood conversations.
The sessions are:
April 27, 6 to 8 p.m. at College Heights Secondary School tennis courts
April 30, 12 to 2 p.m. at Duchess Park playground
May 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Canada Games Plaza
May 4, 6 to 8 p.m. at Blackburn Community Hall
May 5, 6 to 8 p.m. at Cpl. Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park
