The Alma Community Recreation Association (ACRA) has set out short- and long-term priorities for Wallace Cumming Park.
At the June 26 council meeting, ACRA chair Chris Grose presented the results of a recent survey.
“The survey that was sent out earlier this year had 81 respondents and represented 261 intergenerational folks within our community so we’re very excited about that,” she said.
“What we were really excited about also was … over 30 per cent of the folks who responded were individuals and families who were new to the community and had not had a previous opportunity to give input.
“So we’re very thankful for their participation and grateful for that opportunity.”
Short-term goals identified by ACRA’s survey respondents include:
- – swings;
- – a multi-use cement pad;
- – outdoor fitness stations around the track; and
- – more trees.
ACRA also identified long-term goals.
“Before we get into that fifth, sixth, seventh, ninth year there will be opportunity … to go back to the community and double check their list of priorities,” Grose said.
Long-term goals identified by survey respondents include:
- – a cover for the cement pad;
- – water feature like a splash pad;
- – hydro hookup in the south end of the park;
- – multi-use Sports field;
- – walking trail accessibility in every season; and
- – more trails.
ACRA also identified “in-house” projects that can be completed sooner rather than later, including walking trail maintenance.
“The walking trail maintenance was really high on the list,” Grose said.
“People really wanted that trail maintained because things were starting to grow over and it was actually becoming very unsafe in a few places with the way water had run down the trails.”
Mapleton staff had actually worked on the trail on June 20 and 21, the week prior to the council meeting.
“The trail magically is maintained,” Grose said.
“So we look forward to the continued maintenance of that and we say a very big thank you to the township for your participation on that trail maintenance.”
Mayor Neil Driscoll said it wasn’t magic.
“This is a level of service that Mapleton has been trying hard to achieve and finally it’s coming,” he said.
“Thanks to Sam’s (Mattina) staff for getting it done in a timely manner. That’s what our goal is. It’s taken a while, but it’s coming.”
Another in-house development ACRA is looking at is more access to washrooms.
Grose said the group is currently working with the Alma Optimist Club to try to arrange a way for park users to request the community centre be open for washroom access.
“This is a dialogue that’s happening right now with the Optimist Club,” Grose said.
ACRA would also like to install a disc golf course.
Councillor Lori Woodham said the item was discussed at the parks and recreation committee, specifically that the grass should be cut to differentiate fairways from the rough on the disc golf course.
Director of public works Sam Mattina said it could be done, but at an additional cost.
“Certainly it’s an additional task that has to be performed and if council so desires it staff will perform the task in the park,” Mattina said.
He added, “It may affect other work – timing of other work – depending on the extent of it.”
Driscoll suggested staff work with ACRA to decide on the best way to cut the course and report back to council at the end of the year.
