Outdoor exercise classes, pathways and a skate park are among suggestions a Turner Valley committee is considering to improve recreation in town.
The ideas came from citizens who participated in an online survey the Town’s Paths, Parks and Recreation Committee posted from July 29 to Aug. 17 asking what recreational opportunities they would like to see to improve existing services.
The survey was also available in paper format at the Sheep River Library, Dr. Lander Memorial Outdoor Swimming Pool and Valley Neighbours Club.
“The survey was open to anybody who wanted to take it because we consider at the end of the day that all of these facilities are available to everyone,” Coun. John Waring, a member of the committee, told council at its Sept. 21 meeting. “We got a really good cross section of people involved in this and good replies so we’re hoping to move forward with these results.”
The more popular suggestions were improvements to the pool such as a hot tub and tall diving board, a more extensive pathway system and public access to the river.
The survey requested the age of each person in the household and allowed up to four people in the home to provide four suggestions.
Participants under the age of 18 suggested a skate park, BMX park, large playground, climbing wall, beach volleyball court and basketball court.
Respondents between the ages 18 to 64 suggested an off-leash area and playing fields while seniors recommended fitness equipment and outdoor exercise classes like yoga and tai chi.
“The committee is now looking at these overall ideas to see first of all what exists already because we don’t want duplication, then to see other key elements in this that we can focus on – one of them being pathways because every age group has come up with pathways,” said Waring. “What we want to be sure of is what we do give to the pubic or make available are things that they really want.”
Waring said other suggestions included a nature playground, archery range, community garden, cross-country skiing and tennis courts.
Turner Valley town planner Matthew Atkinson said the committee will do some research regarding the suggestions and present a list of potential improvements to council at an upcoming meeting.
“They are going to refine that list and do another public engagement and speak to council about that and then there will be a list of recommendations that will go forward to council,” he said. “(Council) wanted to strike a committee that could look at different recreational amenities in town. A portion will be incorporated into the budget and over the next 10 years as well.”
Barry Williamson, the Town’s chief administrative officer, said council looks at a number of projects to focus on in the capital budget each year, and some of these may fall into the list.
“The more input they can have relative to some form of public information gathering, whether it’s through a committee or some other process, it will help them do planning from a budget point of view,” he said.
