The Alma Community Recreation Association held a Family Fun Event at the Alma Community Centre on May 11.
Results from the latest Wallace Cumming Park survey were announced at the event.
Alma and area residents participated in a community survey early in 2018 in order to revisit and update the 2006 Wallace Cumming Park Master Design Plan.
This task was undertaken in order to reflect community needs and short- and long-term park plans and development, association members state.
The report provides updated information about Alma residents and their use, limitations and satisfaction of recreational and leisure activities in the park, future development priorities and future activities for consideration.
“The findings from the report will assist Mapleton Township, the Alma Community Recreation Association and the Alma community in making decisions relative to the management of existing park structures along with the future short- and long-term park developments,” association chair Chris Grose said.
The report states that of the 81 surveys received, 84 per cent were from Mapleton Township, 14% from Centre Wellington and 2% from Guelph Eramosa.
Respondents new to the area, having resided in the area from one to nine years, made up 30.8% of the survey respondents. For those individuals it was a first opportunity to provide input towards the community park.
Based on the gathered results of the Wallace Cumming Park Master Design Plan Revision Project, future park developments have been prioritized into short-term (one to four years) and long-term (five to 10 years) goals.
Also identified are in-house developments to be completed in cooperation with the association, township and the Alma Optimist Club.
Short and long-term goals
Short-term development goals include swings, a multi-use cement pad, outdoor fitness stations and more trees. Long-term development goals incorporate a cover for the cement pad, a water feature, hydro, a multi-use Sports field, year round walking trail accessibility and more trails.
In-house development suggestions include walking trail maintenance, washrooms, a disc golf course and signage.
Future park developments will be presented to the Mapleton parks and recreation committee and township council in the form of recommendations, with a target of in-principle approval by the end of June.
Each development will require a full project proposal and secured resources, both human and financial, to seek township approval and to see each project development to conclusion.
Grose said the recreation association “will continue as a park development advocate and liaison with Mapleton Township. Completion of future park projects rely heavily on the support of community members, from the planning committee to the working crew. New members are always welcome.”
Full reports and recommendations are available online by emailing acra2018@gmail.com.
