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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 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 1 of4 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 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 2 of4 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 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 3 of 4 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 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 4 of4