Advertisement

Proposed park planned for St. John's gets feedback from residents

The Georgestown Neighbourhood Association is a little closer to getting a green space its been working towards for more than a decade.

On Tuesday night, the City of St. John's hosted a public consultation meeting to show off artist renderings of the proposed plans and seek input from people living in the area.

"Take that information and go back revaluate the design," Coun. Jonathan Galgay told CBC.

"Then come to council for a recommendation to proceed."

It's taken a long time to get there.

The neighbourhood association's vice chair Elizabeth Oliver said the group started trying to get the city involved about 12 years ago.

Council got on board in 2008 and started work on the project, spearhead by former St. John's Coun. Frank Galgay before his nephew Jonathan took it over.

"It's been a long, slow process," said Oliver.

"There's been some hitches along the way and finally we are getting to this point, which is a really exciting point, where we can actually start looking at getting some shovels in the ground."

The city has come up with $100,000 for what Galgay calls a "modest plan" that will see the basketball court upgraded, trees added and create space for a community garden.

Close to 20 people turned up Tuesday night to ask questions and share concerns. The biggest worry for most is parking. Others are concerned with fixing up the basketball court, lighting in the area and maintaining the space in the winter and summer.

"This is a really strong community that lacks a focal point," Oliver said.

"It will fit into what has become focal points in a sense…like the bakery, Georgetown Cafe and the pub."

Galgay said he hopes to see the project tendered by the spring with the park possibly being completed next summer.