March 1, 2011 - Minutes
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Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 |
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Place: |
Anderson Room Richmond City Hall |
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Present: |
Councillor Harold Steves, Chair Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt, Vice-Chair Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt Councillor Ken Johnston Councillor Bill McNulty |
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Also Present: |
Councillor Greg Halsey-Brandt |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. |
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MINUTES |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE |
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room. |
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1. 2011 Parks and Open Space Strategy (File Ref. No.: 06-2345-01) (REDMS No. 3143081) With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, and Jamie Esko, Park Planner, highlighted the following information: § the purpose of the proposed 2011 Parks and Open Space Strategy is to (i) ensure parks and open space planning is proactive; (ii) continue to focus on integrated solutions to emerging urban issues; (iii) facilitate balanced decision making; (iv) identify resource shifts that are needed to address outstanding issues; and (v) continue to inspire residents and reflect identify through community engagement; § to date, staff have conducted an environmental scan and reviewed best practices in an effort to define strategic focus areas and outcomes; and § the proposed 2011 Parks and Open Space Strategy focuses on (i) great spaces and experiences; (ii) connectivity; (iii) a green network; (iv) a blue network; (v) health and wellness; (vi) multifunctional and diverse spaces; and (vii) resource management. In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the City’s current park and open space network aims to allow all residents to be within a ten-minute walking distance of a park; and (ii) the proposed gap analysis will allow the City to hone in on areas that were once overlooked. Discussion ensued and Committee commented on the need for (i) activities on the water, and (ii) parks and open space in the City Centre. Also, it was noted that an update on City Centre parkland acquisition is due. Committee wished to be advised on how much park and open space land the City intends to acquire in the City Centre area and what the current inventory for such land is. It was noted that the cost per acre for park and open space land would be helpful information. In addition, Committee queried about developments that have provided rooftop green space, and where such green spaces exist. It was moved and seconded That the seven focus areas and associated outcomes be endorsed as the foundation for the 2011 Parks and Open Space Strategy, as outlined in the staff report dated February 16, 2011 from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation entitled “2011 Parks and Open Space Strategy”. CARRIED
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2. |
(File Ref. No.: 06-2345-01/2011) (REDMS No. 3153771) | |
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In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Redpath and Ms. Esko provided the following information: | |
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playground equipment hazard ratings depend on technical aspects of play structures, such as fall surfaces, moving parts, and head and torso entrapment etc; |
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improvements to the General Currie School tot lot will be part of the 2012 Unsafe Playground Equipment Capital program; |
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currently, the Richmond School District No. 38 has received limited funding for the implementation of all day kindergarten, and its affect on age-appropriate play equipment; |
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the cost of play structures have significantly gone up, and Parent Advisory Committees cannot generate the funds required for playground upgrades; and |
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themes for neighbourhood parks are limited due to budget limitations. |
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Discussion ensued regarding the play structure at the Richmond Nature Park and associated cost implications. | |
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Staff was requested to provide a cost analysis for the proposed improvements to the General Currie School tot lot prior to its consideration as part of the 2012 Unsafe Playground Equipment Capital program. | |
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It was moved and seconded | |
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That the staff report entitled “Pre-School Playground Update”, dated February 16, 2011 from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, be received for information. | |
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CARRIED | |
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3. |
MANAGER’S REPORT | |
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(a) |
Parks 2011 Design and Construction Capital Program Update |
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Mr. Redpath distributed a spreadsheet outlining Parks 2011 design and construction capital projects (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) and replied to queries from Committee. | |
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(b) |
Upcoming Events |
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Eric Stepura, Manager, Sports & Community Events, highlighted that the Steveston Sockeye Spin is back and will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Also, Mr. Stepura noted that the Moon Festival, celebrating the lunar calendar, is anticipated to be held on the Oval Plaza in Fall 2011. | |
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(c) |
Community Centres Update |
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Elizabeth Ayers, Manager, Community Recreation Services, provided updates on the status of upgrades at South and Hamilton Community Centres. | |
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(d) |
BC Association of Farmers’ Markets Conference |
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Dee Bowley-Cowan, Acting Manager, Parks Programs, advised that the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is holding a conference at the Steveston Community Centre on March 11 to March 13, 2011. | |
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Also, Ms. Bowley-Cowan noted that April 22, 2011 is Earth Day. | |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (4:55 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011. |
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Councillor Harold Steves Chair |
Hanieh Floujeh Committee Clerk |