To the editor:
Re: “There was a parking lot, now it’s all covered with plants,” Oct. 2.
Yes, there was a parking lot, not paved as stated, but gravel. Gravel or paved, it did provide additional parking for patrons using the park and pool at New Brighton. Not an easy destination to access by foot or transit, the pool and park are nevertheless a popular and well used destination for East Side families. It is also the only waterfront and outdoor swimming facility remaining for residents in the northeast sector.
While creating a new sanctuary for birds and wildlife, (given that the existing sanctuary at Hastings Park has been so sadly allowed to languish and be disrupted ) and daylighting a stream that had gone unnoticed for 100 years, is to be applauded, there are a few consequences to be considered.
Through what was previously a well-used gravel parking lot for patrons of the park and pool unable to park in the woefully inadequate paved parking areas, there already existed a path for cyclists and pedestrians — in need of some upgrading to be sure. Also in need of some up-grading would be the pool and existing waterfront park.
Where will patrons of the pool be allowed to park next summer? While transit may be an option for some, enjoying a day at the park and pool with your kids, the gear that goes with them, the cooler for a picnic supper by the waterfront, a couple chairs for those that aren’t able to sit comfortably on the ground and the family pet, the bus just doesn’t work that well, nor do the bikes. Without access to that lot the parking situation, already pretty bad, just got a whole lot worse.
I sincerely hope that the parking lots at Hastings Park will be made available free of charge for park and pool users, and the next $1.2 million being spent in that neighbourhood goes to existing park and pool upgrades.
Gwen Giesbrecht,
Vancouver
