The Town of View Royal is planning for a new neighbourhood park on Watkiss Way and it wants to hear the neighbourhood’s thoughts about how they would like to see the space designed and used.
The redevelopment of the property at the corner of Watkiss Way and Burnside Road by BC Transit shaped a 1.5-acre linear space along Watkiss Way for the town to create a new neighbourhood park. Funds are allocated in the 2024 Capital Budget for construction.
“Neighbourhood parks are generally small and respond to the open space and recreation needs of local residents,” the town said in a news release. “Developing and maintaining opportunities to connect people to nature and recreation through strategic investment and management is vital to maintaining the high quality of life in View Royal.”
Located in the growing Burnside neighbourhood, the property is near transit routes and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. A large CRD water main runs underneath the park and access must be maintained, meaning permanent structures and asphalt cannot be installed. Less “permanent” features like benches, fencing, grass, and community garden plots are possibilities to be explored, the town said.
“The town has heard a desire from residents for more community gardens and off-leash dog areas,” said the news release. “Among other uses, community gardens and off-leash dog area are two activities that can be explored for this space. Previous parks consultation highlighted that community gardens are one of the least utilized amenities by residents, however, there are only approximately 50 community garden plots in the town. Off-leash dog areas are one of the most popular park amenities enjoyed among residents.”
There are currently five off-leash dog park areas in View Royal, including Thetis Lake Regional Park.
To comment on the project, there is a drop-in open house on Nov. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Eagle View school, 97 Talcott Rd. and a pop-up event on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at 2401 Burnside Rd. W that is weather dependent.
The Town of View Royal has an online survey for residents to fill out by Nov. 24 at its website.
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