With such a diverse range of needs and wishes for recreation in the city, real engagement with the community during the creation of the community services master plan is key, according to the project manager.
"It's very important to us that we have engagement versus input," parks planner Laurie-Ann Kosec said during a community workshop on the 10-year recreation strategy Tuesday afternoon. "We can ask all of you 'what do you think?' Tell us what you think in a survey,' but this engagement is important because we can have that two-way discussion, exchange information, listen and hear."
There were a multitude of ideas to listen to and discuss by the group participating in the first of Tuesday's two two-and-a-half hour sessions at the Civic Centre.
Concerns expressed ranged from nature areas, indoor facilities, improvements to the Prince George Ice Oval, maintaining and improving the Pine Valley Golf Course, off-leash dog spaces, a paved city-wide trail system, staging areas closer to town for all-terrain vehicle riders, a year-round facility for racquet sports and a Hart skateboard park.
"Even just everyone speaking right now, you can see how many things can hit council and administration - all the different variety of needs," said Kosec.
According to city literature at the meeting, the purpose of the master plan is to help point the city in a direction to maximize the "community good" of recreation.
"We're looking ahead and hopefully having a good grasp on what may be needed for the next 10 years," said Kosec. "We're excited because it is the first comprehensive plan for recreation."
A draft community services master plan will be presented at an open house this June for review and feedback before going before council in the fall.
