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The Perfect Patterson Park: La Ronge Council launches online survey

Aug 14, 2018 | 5:00 PM

A survey released by the Town of La Ronge called “The Perfect Patterson Park” is asking residents what they’d like to see happen with the green space.

The survey, which is open to all park users, consists of eight questions such as what features are used and what aspects or services should be added, along with personal information such as a current place of residence and if the respondent has children. According to community planner Abby Besharah, the initiative is designed to provide guidance for future municipal land use planning.

“Patterson Park is a natural place to start with having recently removed a number of trees for safety concerns,” Besharah said in an email. “Before deciding where or what replanting will be done, this survey will provide some feedback to Council if there are opportunities for improvement, or changes that will service the residents and visitors of the town.”

In an open question about what should be brought to the park, some ideas to choose from were additional benches, picnic areas, play equipment, more public art, a bike skills park, accessible equipment for those with limited mobility, an amphitheatre or bandstand, and an increased security presence. If the respondent has an idea not on the list, there’s a spot in the survey to write it in.

Besharah said town council won’t be obligated to support an idea if it receives majority support. She said the results of the survey will be respected, but council will ultimately base its decisions on financial capacity, public interest, policy direction and more. The survey will be available until Sept. 4, then the data will be compiled in a report to be reviewed by council and the community.

“Planning is a complex process that often looks many years to the future,” Besharah said about when residents could see changes. “It will depend what the resulting plan actually looks like, as well as the financial capacity of the town to make investments in park infrastructure and other improvements.”

 

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno