Moss Park Community Meets for Facilities Design Workshop

What would you want to see in a newly redeveloped Moss Park? That was the big question being asked of the participants who took part in the Facilities Design Workshop on Monday, June 6.

Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam opened the second More Moss Park public meeting by asking residents and community members to share their ideas for new recreational facilities and park space. She noted that John Innes Community Centre was the only community centre in Ward 27 serving 90,000 people. “This neighbourhood is worth investing in,” she said.

Architect David Miller of MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects (MJMA) introduced the design team and outlined the various options for redevelopment of Moss Park Arena, John Innes Community Centre and the surrounding park space. “Good design promotes accessibility, health, wellness and delight,” he said. “Tonight’s discussion isn’t just about buildings, it’s about what you like to do in Moss Park.”

Following a brief question and answer period with David Miller, Howie Dayton, Director of Parks, Forestry & Recreation, and Maura Lawless, Executive Director of The 519, the group broke out into round tables to discuss their ideas for facilities design. Each table was designated according to the seven areas of discussion: arena, aquatics, athletics (gym, studios, courts), change rooms for aquatics and athletics, indoor public and program spaces, park and landscape, and a table for general comments and ideas.

Each table had spirited discussions about possible ideas for new facilities. Accessibility and safety were recurring issues in most discussions, as was the idea of a state-of-the-art community kitchen. Universal change rooms, more public parking, warming and cooling centres and enhanced park amenities (adequate park benches, trash cans, water fountains and planters) were also raised as possible additions.

The More Moss Park consultation is committed to talking to people where they live and meet to ensure all voices are heard, including marginalized communities in the area. And that’s why it’s so great to see so many participants who had returned from last week’s Community Roundtable to share their ideas. Even the weather agreed!