There are several parks and recreational spaces in La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

municipal planning

La Ronge launches survey for the future of parks, trails and recreation spaces

Jun 7, 2021 | 2:11 PM

The Town of La Ronge has released a survey seeking guidance from residents about the municipality’s parks, trails and recreation spaces.

Council is currently focused on the creation of a Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan, as well as a Mel Hegland Uniplex feasibility study. Both are expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

The master plan is being developed to establish priorities and focus areas for outdoor recreation and leisure spaces in the community including parks, trails, sports fields and ball diamonds. It will identify opportunities to improve existing amenities, as well as potential new projects that could be pursued.

The feasibility study is being undertaken to further clarify the remaining lifespan of the current Mel Hegland Uniplex, and identify potential options and costs for a new multi-purpose recreation facility. RC Strategies have been hired to complete the plan and study for approximately $90,000.

“It’s a long-term plan, but it gives us a much clearer pathway for how we want to shape the community going forward,” La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak said. “It’s really important all residents try to get on with the survey. I believe there is going to be a mail drop as well just reminding residents they have the opportunity to do that.”

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The survey, which can be accessed here, is only open to residents of La Ronge and must be submitted by June 30. The questions are mostly multiple choice or ask respondents to pick the amenities they’d like to see out of a limited list of choices. The survey also covers current indoor and outdoor amenities and how existing infrastructure can be improved.

Last year, the redevelopment of Patterson Park came to a sudden standstill after the former council approved $230,000 for work in the space. Amenities approved for the site included waterfront park lights, a stage and theatre, boardwalk, landscaping, a camp kitchen and artwork for garbage cans. By the time work stopped, close to $100,000 was already spent for new lighting.

“I don’t see why we wouldn’t jump on the opportunity to pull those off the shelves and look at what was in those reports,” Ratushniak said. “A lot of that stuff still transfers to what we can put into the community now. As people understand, the tri-communities is a very transient place, so we constantly have to evolve with the residents that we have at the current time. A little bit of both is a good idea.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno