by Robyn Roste, Contributor
The District of Mission recently announced its investment of $850,000 into parks and playgrounds for new play structures and other equipment such as fencing, boardwalks and irrigation systems.
Play equipment is now being upgraded or added to local parks with the goal of completing the installations by the fall.
With the recent residential development in Hatzic, a play structure is being added to Hatzic Park to accommodate the larger population. Blott Park and Fraser River Heritage Park are also receiving play structures.
“The sandbox at Fraser River Heritage Park is well used by younger children,” said Maureen Sinclair, director of parks, recreation and culture. “A play structure will enhance that play experience.”
While some parks like Kinsmen Park and Fenn Park are receiving replacement play structures, others like Ogle Park will benefit from additional shade trees being planted while they await upgraded equipment.
“A number of parks were built at the same time and we’ll get to all of them eventually,” Sinclair said.
Lane Creek Trail, a small connecting trail between the library and Seventh Avenue , as been closed for some time due to a tree failure resulting in an unstable slope. Because of the large tree’s location, it must be removed from the top down, which has become a significant project. The District of Mission hopes to have the trail re-opened by mid-October.
Later this year, the first phase of redesigning the scattering garden at Hatzic Cemetery will begin. Offering a designated place where family and friends can scatter the cremated remains of their deceased loved ones, scattering gardens are beautiful spots where ashes are co-mingled in garden soil. First presented in a 2012 master plan, the Hatzic Cemetery scattering garden will be a multi-year project.
At Griner Park, a new shelter will replace the current, smaller structure and is intended to be an informal gathering place offering protection from the weather.
“The neighbourhood has been waiting a couple years,” Sinclair said. “I’m glad to see it coming together.” The current structure at Griner Park will be moved to Lightburn Park.
Residents noticing anything needing attention in parks or playgrounds, or who have ideas for improvements, are encouraged to email leisureservices@mission.ca with as much detail as possible.
Throughout April and May, multiple rounds of consultations between the city council and the public were held throughout the community to determine the most important parks and playground upgrades and improvements.
From these discussions, the District of Mission developed a Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Master Plan, which will soon be available.