City park an important asset

Turnout was small but ideas were big at a public meeting that was held to receive input about Willingdon Beach Park.

The meeting, held Monday, July 20, at Powell River Recreation Complex, was part of an exercise planned by the City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department to look 10 years into the future. Ray Boogaards, director of parks, recreation and culture, hosted the meeting and collected input on a variety of topics pertaining to Willingdon Beach, which is part of the city’s public consultation process for the regional recreation initiative.

In introducing the topic, Boogaards said he sees Willingdon Beach as a very important asset and a focal point in Powell River. It was one of the first places he went when he first came to town and he was really impressed with the Willingdon area. He said that importance is underscored by the fact that almost every special event in Powell River is focused on that beach site.

When asked what they like about Willingdon Beach Park, the three city councillors and six members of the public in attendance said: the Rotary Pavilion, the water park, the view, the big open spaces, it being the gateway to the city’s trail network, the proximity of the forestry museum, Powell River Historical Museum and Archives and Putters Mini-Golf, the beach trail, the campsite, the fish in Willingdon Creek, and the dock at the end of the breakwater.

Dislikes included: parking, busy highway, lack of crosswalk on Marine Avenue, no connection to sea walk, difficult access during big events, no sidewalk on Marine by the old arena site, and the lack of logger sports.

Willingdon’s purpose was seen primarily as a public gathering space. Councillor Russell Brewer said it was Powell River’s public square. It’s ideal for most events and a great place for children and families.

In terms of additional amenities, more picnic tables could be situated at the park, as well as a covered area for barbecuing. Also on the wish list was finding a way to extend the sea walk to Willingdon Beach.

This was the fourth of five public meetings, with the final one, on the subject of Mowat Bay Park, being held after press deadline, Tuesday, July 21. Previous meetings covered a discussion of dog parks, as well as playground equipment in Sunset Park and at Mowat Bay.