The construction fences at Connaught Park have been moved west by only 10 metres but the positive impact of such a shift could be immeasurable for the many users of the West Side park at Larch and 10th Avenue.
Portions of the playing fields to the east of the large Kitsilano park, including the cricket oval, rugby pitch and fastpitch diamond, will be closed only once-not twice-and completely upgraded and reopened in 12 to 18 months.
Drew Sagar, president of the Meraloma Athletic Club that counts 700 members who regularly use the park, credited the park board for listening to citizens' concerns and searching for a solution. He also singled out park board chair Aaron Jasper.
"Aaron took the time to come down to the park and communicated with me frequently during the process. The Parks Board staff were also very helpful and instrumental. I cannot imagine it was easy tracking down the additional funding it took to complete the project in such a short time frame and Aaron deserves acknowledgement and accolades for leading the process through to its successful conclusion," Sagar wrote to the Courier.
Jasper said an additional $250,000 was sourced from unused surplus funds allocated for synthetic fields in the previous year's 2010 budget. The money was approved with the three-year capital plan but was not drawn upon.
Construction for the second phase began in August at a cost of $760,000.
The field at the western edge of Connaught Park was upgraded three years ago.
Instead of closing portions of the park for up to 18 months this year and then for another 18 months at an undetermined future date, users from the adjacent Kitsilano secondary and the community centre, as well as sports teams from across the Lower Mainland, will have access to a fully upgraded park by next fall.
Building and tearing down the worksite alone costs an estimated $30,000, Jasper said. "The cost savings are minimal, but it's the convenience factor that was the most significant," he said.
Sagar said he's heard a "tremendous response" from his members and the general community. "While the total redevelopment will have huge impact to the park in the short run, it will produce great natural fields for years to come for the community and amateur sports users."
Twitter: @MHStewart
