The Kimberley Parks and Facilities Draft Master Plan is now available for public comment before it goes to Council for official adoption.
It’s a huge document, and has taken over a year to complete. It covers all aspects of recreation facilities in Kimberley, looks at the condition of those facilities and potential costs to maintain, repair and replace. It is a document that will guide Council over the next ten years in terms of planning and prioritizing recreation facilities.
The entire document is available at engagekimberley.ca.
As just an example of its content, the plan offers facility strategies.
For arenas the recommendation is to explore best options and associated costs of maintaining two ice sheets and advises making a final decision as soon as possible on the best approach for arenas that balances community ice needs, amenity preferences and financial realities.
Arts, culture and heritage strategies include renewing the agreement with the Kimberley Arts Council for Centre 64, working with local First Nations to identify opportunities to advance Indigenous arts and culture in Kimberley; and ensure arts, culture and heritage amenities are a key aspect of future facilities planning, and wherever possible, integrated into new and renewed parks and recreation facilities.
For the Aquatic Centre, it is recommended that the city invest in necessary improvements that will maximize its life cycle and reduce the risk of future long-term shutdowns.
Investing in minor capital works at ball diamonds and playfields is recommended.
The plan recommends that the city undertake a study to determine the best long-term management plan for the Kimberley Conference Centre.
As for the Curling Club, the City is advised to renew the partnership agreement with the club on a short term basis and to prioritize repairs that will extend the service life of the facility. Replacement options will have to be explored as part of the arena strategy.
Another facility that should be looked at as part of a future recreation facility is the Library.
Another recommendation is that the city do a feasibility study to explore costs and options for an indoor multipart or community gymnasium facility. The condition of the Centennial Centre needs to be explored and a long-term plan for renewal or replacement developed.
For Parks, Playgrounds and Specialized Park Amenities:
A. Utilize the recommended Park Classification system to guide future planning, management, and service levels.
B. Sustain current municipal parkland provision at 3.0 – 3.25 ha. per 1,000 residents and focus resources on optimizing park experiences and addressing identified geographic and neighbourhood gaps.
C. Diversify playground experiences through renewals and new installations.
D. Continue with and advance planning to revision Cominco Gardens as a significant, unique, and financially sustainable destination within Kimberley.
E. Identify options and sites to meet outdoor event space needs.
F. Develop and update Management Plans for all Destination Parks every 10 years.
G. Undertake an Urban Tree Inventory and Management Plan.
H. Continue to follow priorities established by the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
And for trails ensure that all single track mountain bike trail development support by the city are following the International Mountain Biking Association guidelines. Establish clear management directions for Rails to Trails Volksmarch Trail and Mark Creek Trail, improve connectivity from Forest Crowne to the rest of the city and improve wayfinding signage for trail routes and connections.
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