Council has talked about it for months, heard two presentations, and has learned the final draft has few changes – so it has decided to unveil the recreation master plan for the township at its July 1 celebrations.
Public works director Larry Lynch has been working with Stempski Kelly and Associates of Fergus on the plan and told council on May 22 the final draft is ready.
Mayor Bruce Whale said that draft should be emailed to councillors, who should be ready to discuss it at the June 12 council meeting, the results of which were not known by press time.
Whale pointed out some of the recommendations in the plan are already approved in the township’s 2012 budget.
Lynch said he would like to hold a public meeting in June to get final feedback, or ensure in some way that people get to see it.
Whale suggested the Canada Day celebrations in Drayton might be the best opportunity for a large number of people to see the draft plan. He suggested a booth, with copies available.
Councillor Neil Driscoll said many will attend the July 1 celebration, but it falls on a Sunday this year.
Whale said that could mean “twice the cost” of holding a public meeting on a weekday.
Councillor Jim Curry said having the draft available from 5 to 7pm on July 1 might be the best because it gives a large number of people a chance to see the recommendations.
“If they can do it July 1, that would be great,” Curry said.
Driscoll also pointed out various community groups will have to consider sources of funds for some of the work.
Councillor Mike Downey said the first five issues are all maintenance related.
Among the estimates for projects that council did see at the meeting were:
– $80,000 for roof repair at the PMD community centre;
– $1,000 for a scoreboard at the Moorefield ball park’s ‘A’ diamond;
– no estimate to date for floor replacement at the PMD hall;
– $55,600 for washroom upgrades at the Moorefield ball park, Maryborough community centre and Drayton fair grounds for safety, maintenance and accessibility; and
– renovations to existing playgrounds, for the same reasons, with $75,000 for the Moorefield playground, $104,000 for the Drayton Kinsmen playground, and another $70,000 for the Rothsay park closed last year because of equipment problems.
Other issues include $2,000 for an audit of remaining playgrounds, with plans to do an audit every two years to keep on top of maintenance, and $22,000 for an access ramp for the Maryborough community centre for accessibility.
Council and residents will also have to consider $20,000 for next year’s March break and summer youth camps, plus $5,000 for a new splash pad, which will need a concept plan and fundraising strategy.
Whale said most of the projects are “manageable” and there is no intent to delay them if they are in the budget.
Chief administrative officer Patty Sinnamon said she recently learned about a federal fund the township might be able to use for maintenance of recreation equipment.
Council then accepted the report for information.
