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Duchess Park Plan to Be Rolled Out to Community

By 250 News

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 03:58 AM

Prince George, B.C.- Public consultation on a community park at the old Duchess Park School site will start on June 25th.
 
In a report to City Council, Dan Milburn, Manager Long Range Planning says sport groups have already indicated they would support an all season sport field as part of the plan. That means an artificial turf much like that used in the Northern Sports Centre.  On Monday night, Prince George City Council heard from two groups  (rugby and football asociations) which expressed their  desire to ave  an  "all season" sport field.
 
The park plan also sets aside an area for an off leash dog park, a tennis court and open space.The redevelopment will honour the site's historical prominence at the heart of the Crescents Neighbourhood as conceived by the Grand Trunk Pacific Development Company in 1913. 
 
The open house will  take place at the current Duchess Park School June 25th between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. 
 
Anyone not able to make that session but who would like to make comments on the  plans, can download a copy of the  Duchess Park Survey by clicking here.   The survey must be  submitted to City Hall by July 17th.

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Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 03:58 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Comment Posted by: CaringSoul on June 17 2009 9:25 AM
Oh God help us all! Another building complex that the tax payers will have to fund to keep running. Just like the Sports Centre that is under used. Spend Spend Spend!
Comment Posted by: He spoke on June 17 2009 12:18 PM
Well, at least the School District was on the ball, and found away to reduce the debt load and maintenance cost.
Comment Posted by: NMG on June 17 2009 6:47 PM
"In a report to City Council, Dan Milburn, Manager Long Range Planning says sport groups have already indicated they would support an all season sport field as part of the plan. That means an artificial turf much like that used in the Northern Sports Centre. On Monday night, Prince George City Council heard from two groups (rugby and football asociations) which expressed their desire to ave an "all season" sport field"

Well since they mentioned turf like that used at the Northern Sports Centre, I have to ask the obvious question, WHY DON'T THEY JUST USE THE NORTHERN SPORTS CENTRE?

Anyone from the City who suggests that another indoor field should be built while there is still reasonable capacity at the Sports Centre should be fired on the spot.

Comment Posted by: gold_rush on June 17 2009 8:16 PM
i thought the all season sport field was a outdoor turf, that doesnt get beat up under wear and tear. Im pretty sure its not another indoor field. As soon as the snow melts, the field would be ready to play on. Not a bad idea...
Comment Posted by: NMG on June 17 2009 9:20 PM
Gotcha gold_rush, that makes sense now that I read it a second time. When they said "all season", I assumed it meant that it would be available all year (hence the need for an indoor facility).

If they just install the turf on an outdoor field, I can see that being worthwhile. If they do go ahead and do that, they should make sure that the field is large enough to properly accomodate all field sports. If I'm not mistaken, the football field at Masich Place isn't even regulation size (end zones are too small) due to it having to reside within the confines of the track. Could be wrong on that though.
Comment Posted by: Runner46 on June 17 2009 10:17 PM
A long time very involved person in a few sports in my day I am a little concerned about this idea of an allweather field.

The two sports showing interest need more than just a field...how about change room facilities, showers, equipment storage, etc.

If not then why the need for just a field of plastic? Would it not be better to do a grass field with super drainage, etc so start up can be in spring and wear and tear can be at a minimum.
Here is a link to an article in the states where council has had to look at spending $30,000 usd to install sprinklers to cool the surface as it gets to hot.
http://www.bryancountynews.net/news/article/4222/

The point is there are unknowns that I don`t think we "need" to afford. If we can supply a free loan to PGARA every thirty years maybe we should look at a field specifically for the high maintance sports.



Comment Posted by: NMG on June 17 2009 10:38 PM
That's also in Georgia where the average summer temp is probably twice as hot as PG . . .

You do raise a good point though. Perhaps we should look at investing in a proper facility for football, rugby, etc. Lord knows we've spent the dough on hockey, ball diamonds and soccer. One would think that one good facility for those sports wouldn't be a crazy idea.

I know we then get back to more money being spent on stuff in the current economic climate so it may not be in the cards right away but I'd rather see us spend the money once (and have a good facility that will last 20+ years) than to do a 75% job, have a facility that doesn't really meet anyone's needs and end up having to do it all over again.