HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLSC 2009-07-09 Minutes.pdfDistrict of Maple Ridge
and the
City of Pitt Meadows
MAPLE RIDGE and PITT MEADOWS PARKS & LEISURE SERVICES
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services
Commission meeting and Parks Tour held on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 7:00 pm.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Commissioner Ernie Daykin
Commissioner Doug Bing
Commissioner Judy Dueck
Commissioner Craig Speirs
Commissioner Kathie Ward
COMMISSION MEMBERS AT LARGE PRESENT
Commissioner Christine Smith, Chair
Commissioner Neil Pukesh
Commissioner Ian Brown, Vice-Chair
Commissioner Angie Rowell
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
David Boag
Tracy Camire
GUESTS
Linda Hinks
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Commissioner Mandeep Bhuller
Commissioner Don Maclean
Commissioner Geordie Craig
Commissioner Gwen O'Connell
Commissioner Dave Rempel
Commissioner Mike Huber
Commissioner Bruce Bell
District of Maple Ridge, Mayor
City of Pitt Meadows, Councilor
District of Maple Ridge, Councilor
District of Maple Ridge, Councilor
School District No. 42, Trustee
Member at Large, Pitt Meadows
Member at Large, Pitt Meadows
Member at Large, Maple Ridge
Member at Large, Maple Ridge
Manager, Parks & Open Spaces
Committee Clerk
Dog Off Leash Steering Committee
Member at Large, Maple Ridge
City of Pitt Meadows, Mayor
Member at Large, Maple Ridge
City of Pitt Meadows, Councillor
School District No. 42, Trustee
School District No. 42, Trustee
City of Pitt Meadows Councilor (alternate for
Gwen O'Connell)
There being a quorum present, the Chair called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
1. Adoption of the Agenda
R09-029 It was moved and seconded
That the Agenda for July 9, 2009 be adopted as presented.
CARRIED
2. Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular
Meeting
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Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes -Thursday, July 9, 2009 DRAFT MINUTES
R09-030 It was moved and seconded
That the Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission
Regular Meeting of June 11, 2009 be adopted as presented.
CARRIED
3. Parks Tour
David Boag advised the Commission that the feedback from dog owners showed that there
were three key features they were looking for in a dog off leash park; open green spaces,
dyke trails and a forest trail experience. Mr. Boag also advised the Commission that the two
major complaints are dogs on sports fields (with soccer moms and dads having to pick up
after the dogs prior to events and games) and dogs on kids play areas.
3.1 Maple Ridge Fairgrounds {proposed off leash area)
The Commission viewed the proposed dog off leash sites (one to the south of the
main stage and one behind the tractor pull area). The Commission discussed the
issue of having a fence around the off leash area. Mr. Boag also advised that
signage would have to be put up stating that the park cannot be used during annual
events that require the larger space. The Commission liked the idea of having two
separate spaces; one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs.
3.2 Maple Ridge Park (new play equipment)
The Commission viewed the new play structure at the Maple Ridge Park. David Boag
advised the Committee that $157,000 was spent in upgrading the park; the swings
are the only original piece of equipment. Mr. Boag also noted that staff is
recommending additional washrooms on the site.
3.3 130th/239th planned park site
David Boag reviewed a park site at 130th and 239th that Bruce McLeod has taken
through the planning process. Mr. Boag also advised that this site has some terrain
challenges however staff plans to maintain the greenbelt area and build in the
steepness of the bank with some play equipment to create a different kind of play
experience. Mr. Boag reviewed the plans with the Commission.
Mr. Boag explained that the planning process includes meeting with the
neighbourhood to identify what kind of experiences they would like to see, creating a
concept plan, and when the neighbourhood has reviewed the proposed park and
given the go ahead, this park will be built this summer.
3.4 136 Trail at 224th Street entry
David Boag advised the Commission of the trail alignment at 136th and reviewed the
plans with the Commission. Mr. Boag advised the trail was largely built by prison
crews and the last connection is to build a bridge over the river. The Commission
then viewed the field and the trail from the equestrian side and Mr. Boag advised
that this land is owned by the Municipality but has an agreement that the equestrian
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Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes -Thursday, July 9, 2009 DRAFT MINUTES
centre will maintain the land. David Boag reviewed where the proposed bridge would
be built and advised the Commission that the cost would be approximately $300,000
once the water level studies have been completed.
3.5 Volker Park (proposed off leash area)
The Commission viewed the proposed site at Volker Park and David Boag advised the
Commission that the proposed off leash area would be fenced. The Commission
liked this location and thought it would be beneficial for the school that is located
next to the park. During the Commission's visit to the park there were six dogs off
leash. Mr. Boag advised that the Parks Department is currently spending
approximately $14-15,000 on plastic dog bags. Commissioner Rowell advised that
the school has a project underway to plant trees and suggested that some be located
within the proposed off leash dog park.
3.6 Jerry Sulina Park (proposed off leash area)
The Commission viewed the proposed site and David Boag advised that he has
spoken with Jeff Clayton with the Alouette River Management Society who advised
that this site used to be training grounds for hunting dogs. Mr. Boag noted that there
are some concerns about the parking lot as it is currently very busy and adding an
amenity of this sort would only increase the visitors to this site. Mr. Boag also noted
that Jeff Clayton is not supportive of having a fenced area at this location.
3. 7 Sharpe/ McKechnie (proposed off leash area)
The Commission viewed the proposed site and David Boag advised that there would
be proposed hours for off leash, (i .e. 6am to 11am daily) at this location and also
noted that there are three spots for dogs to access the water.
3.8 Bonson Park (Davie Jones proposed off leash area)
The Commission viewed the proposed site and David Boag advised the Commission
that the Dog Steering Committee is excited about this site and the promotion of
positive activity. The Commission reviewed where the parking is located and Mr.
Boag advised that five out of the si x home owners located on the west side of the
park are dog owners and in favor of a dog park at Bonson Park. David Boag also
noted that a fence would have to be added around the baseball diamond and control
fences would be added around the off leash area.
The Commission then viewed the proposed new location of the off leash site at
Hoffman Park and David Boag advised that there is a large enough buffer around the
site and the area would be fenced in. The Commission then viewed the current off
leash site at Hoffman Park.
David Boag advised the Commission that once there are multiple off leash dog park
sites that the congestion will lessen at the current park.
3.9 PMSS: Synthetic Field Site
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Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes -Thursday, July 9, 2009 DRAFT MINUTES
The Commission viewed the Pitt Meadows Secondary School's sports field and David
Boag reviewed the plans for the proposed Synthetic Field. Mr. Boag also noted that
the field would be moved as far west as possible to provide a buffer for the residents
located on the east side of the field. David Boag also advised that a walking trail
would be located around the perimeter of the field. Mr. Boag also noted that they are
still waiting on funding for the field and hopes that construction will start before the
fall weather approaches.
4. Decision Items
4.1 Dog Off Leash Parks
R09-031 It was moved and seconded
That staff be directed to solicit feedback from residents and other stakeholders who
either use or live near Volker Park, Albion Fairgrounds, Jerry Sulina Park, Davie Jones
park/School site and the dyke trail system between Sharpe and McKechnie to
determine the level of support for a dog off leash area, as well as any potential
concerns they may have at these locations.
CARRIED
5. Information Items
5.1 Press Release Active Communities -Physical Activity Measurement Survey is Underway
5.2 Recreation Excellence Spring 2009 Newsletter
R09-033 It was moved and seconded
That Items 5 .1 and 5.2 be received as information
CARRIED
6. Commission Liaison Reports
7. Staff Liaison Reports
8. Question Period
Chairperson
/tc
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