Local seniors made several suggestions on how to improve the city's recreation opportunities during a focus group this week about the new Community Services Master Plan.
The key point brought up continually throughout the meeting was how to improve the existing city amenities for seniors.
The state of walking paths, parks and school grounds where seniors go was brought up, especially the state of benches in parks and the fact that dog feces are everywhere. Many people at the meeting piped up and agreed dog owners are not held accountable and the smell and physical mess left by the dogs is disgusting.
One man said he was sick of being accosted and confronted by aggressive dogs that would be off leash when they were supposed to be on leash or not even allowed in the park. The dogs would bark at him when they were in close proximity, disturbing his peaceful outdoor time and causing stress.
The seniors participating in the forum cited the numerous recreational opportunities already in place, such as lawn bowling, indoor walking at CN Centre, the Coliseum and Pine Centre mall, aquafit, yoga, tai chi, and cross country skiing at Otway. There are also the activities found at the local seniors' centres, like choir, drama club, knitting club, bridge, carpet bowling, and monthly birthday teas, as well as helping with fundraisers like garage sales, bake sales, craft sales, books sales, cookie dough sales, and attending noon-time meals.
Offering new opportunities for recreating seniors didn't seem to be as important as improving the existing ones. One suggestion was to create more community gardens, more lawn bowling space, bocci grounds, as well as facilities for pickleball (like an oversized version of ping pong on a tennis court).
Transportation was also an issue. Seniors at the meeting were hoping for more ways to get around the city. One lady suggested a shuttle service to key points in Prince George. For example, she said she would like to be able to meet at a shopping centre's parking lot and take a shuttle into the downtown area. There was agreement among the group for that suggestion. Another suggestion was to have ambassadors of Prince George at major events to greet and guide people into facilities, offering suggestions of what to do and where to go at the event.
Theforumwas held at the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre Tuesday afternoon and was one of many held with a variety of community organizations during the last few months.
Many organizations, and the general public, have provided input to help identify the vision, principles, needs and priorities for parks and recreation in the City of Prince George in the future.
Representatives for the city Cheryl Livingstone-Leman, community services coordinator, and Marta Gregor, recreation coordinator, asked the 28 seniors in attendance three questions: how can we improve seniors' recreation opportunities in Prince George?; what are some great seniors' recreation opportunities in Prince George?; and what are some new senior recreation activities that you would like to see in Prince George?
The city representatives took all of the suggestions and criticisms made to provide input for a report on the Community Services Master Plan, which will go before city council in the fall.
