CONNAUGHT NEWS
Connaught Park is getting the renovation it needs to be among the city's premier, Grade A playing fields. The sports fields draw athletes and recreators (no, that's not really a word but it could be a pseudonym for many Vancouverites) from three high schools, a community school and a residential neighbourhood in Kitsilano as well as the Meraloma Athletic Club.
To the frustration of club president Drew Sagar, however, the essential upgrades will be rolled out over two phases, meaning fields will be closed twice for as long as 18 months each time as grass takes root. The cricket field, fastpitch diamond and soccer pitch will close from now until the fall of 2012 and grading, a new sprinkler system and improved drainage will cost $760,000. Because of budget restraints, the upgrades are not scheduled simultaneously as everyone, including Sagar and park board chairperson Aaron Jasper, agree is ideal.
Jasper is sympathetic to concerns over the staggered closures and said this week he is cautiously hopeful the money can be sourced in order to complete all upgrades at once. He said he'll know more today. "We are looking at some possibilities but we won't know definitively until the end of this week," he called to tell me. "Friday we will know for sure. It looks promising. But we will know either way-good news or bad news-Friday."
The grassy expanse on West 12th Avenue between Larch and Vine streets is enjoyed by dog walkers, joggers, kite flyers, tai chi practitioners, bootcampers and more (see: recreators) as well as thousands of athletes in dozens of Vancouver sports leagues.
Let's hope he's able to bring
them good news. mstewart@vancourier.com
Twitter: @MHStewart
