Public consultation event at Dease Park (STAFF PHOTO - Vasilios Bellos)
Spring 2022 will see the beginning of the reimagining of Dease Park.
City Council voted in favour of going forward with phase 1 of the redevelopment at Monday’s meeting, which is estimated to cost $278,000. This will include things such as the removal of the existing half-court basketball area, walkways, trees, and light poles.
The discussion at council quickly turned to what should be done with the former Dease Pool Site. There have been various public consultation opportunities over the past few months, including one in-person at the park. It was found that the majority of respondents (70% to 84%) supported a skatepark or urban plaza to be constructed at the site.
McKellar Ward Councillor Brian Hamilton was heavily involved in the public consultation process, and explains what he hopes to see for the residents living near Dease Park, and the south core as a whole.
“In redeveloping this park, we really wanted to focus on developing a 12 month of the year, full spectrum of activities because we did identify service gaps in many months throughout the year,” explains Coun. Hamilton. “I want the community to know that was part of our plan since the start of the redevelopment process.”
Coun. Hamilton goes on to say a pool for example would only be available for a few months out of the year.
One of the main takeaways from public consultation found that there was a strong desire for youth focused activities. Also mentioned specifically was a need for a south core skatepark for those unable to access the one at Marina Park.
Councillor Mark Bentz raised his concerns regarding the skate park, and how the noise may effect those living around Dease Park.
“I would have concerns if I was living with that just over the fence in my backyard,” stated Coun. Bentz. “It is going to generate noise, and it could potentially generate noise until eleven at night, quite often actually. It’s going to be a quite popular attraction I’m sure. My only concern is if there is a better place in the park for it.”
Some of the other proposed concepts for the development of the former Dease Pool site include a play area for kids with a sitting area, trees, a swimming pool, or a fenced green space with playground equipment.
The redevelopment of the former Dease Pool site falls under phase four of the project.
