The District recently received proposals for 1) a community garden on public land and 2) a bike circuit by the lacrosse box in Centennial Park. These were both received through the District’s Community Partnership Program, wherein proposals are due by October of each year.
The proponents will be working with staff and the community to explore these park and recreation projects before reporting back to Council by early 2021 with detailed proposals.
About the Community Garden Proposal
The Central Saanich Community Garden Society is working to establish community gardens in Central Saanich and would like to use District land. The society has developed a Community Partnership Proposal for the District. Community benefits include: providing a social gathering space where members can grow healthy food options, socialize, get physical exercise, and educate and enable more people to become local food growers. They also provide people living in residences without yards, a space to garden and be outdoors. The society is committed to community building and intends to work with the local Boys and Girls Club, as well as provide educational opportunities for the public. District updates will be posted at: https://letstalkcentralsaanich.ca/garden
About the Bike Circuit Proposal
A local group is investigating the possibility of adding a small bike circuit near the lacrosse box in Centennial Park. Given the growing number of youth in the region, the desire to encourage biking in the community, and the types of recreational opportunities for youth in Central Saanich, staff are exploring the feasibility.
The proposed site is behind the lacrosse box on a small piece of land appropriately sized for a small bike circuit. The site is near the Caretaker's residence, washrooms, parking and the main activity hub of the park. The proposed amenity would encourage children to become confident on their bikes and engage local youth in community.
The proposed bike circuit does not call for removing trees, and an arborist will assess the site to ensure no impact to tree roots will occur. It is thought independent access to the site could be created near the lacrosse box without using the existing trail circuit.
If Council were to endorse the concept in principal, the proponent should work with an arborist, finalize a proposed design, conduct consultation (in concert with staff), and explore fundraising opportunities with local organizations. If the proponent could report back to Council in early 2021 with a status update, staff hope to know about the sport box grant application and Council could review the consultation, project details and proposed timing before construction.
Questions?
The District will be helping the proponents share concepts and reach out to the community for input on these concepts in the near future.
Please contact
Britt Burnham, Manager of Community Services
Britt.Burnham@csaanich.ca | 250-544-4240