Residents concerned about the proposed construction of a destination pool at Kitsilano’s Connaught Park are petitioning Vancouver Park Board to ensure a thorough consultation process before a decision is made.
“We the undersigned ask that the Park Board engage in thorough and transparent public consultation in the Kitsilano neighbourhood regarding facility changes in Connaught Park as part of the VanSplash Plan,” the online petition reads.
“We ask the Park Board Commissioners to not approve the construction of a destination pool with a sport-training focus as part of a community centre and/or rink renewal at Connaught Park without clear approval from residents and key stakeholders.”
The petition, which was started over the weekend, had more than 140 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.
The VanSplash plan includes a proposal for a new, destination pool with a sport-training focus at Connaught Park. The park is currently home to a community centre and ice rink, and some residents have taken issue with the plan, saying it would take away from the feeling of community users of the existing facility enjoy.
VanSplash is a long-term plan for the city’s pools, beaches and other aquatic amenities. It includes a variety of recommendations and lays out a plan for the future of Vancouver’s indoor and outdoor pools, wading pools, spray parks and beaches, and other aquatic amenities. Several elements of the plan have prompted pushback from residents.
In December, park board commissioners heard from close to 50 residents over two nights and all had a concern about a component of the plan. Many also questioned the consultation process, saying they had no idea that the board was conducting public consultation on the future of pools and aquatic facilities in the city.
In January, commissioners voted 4-3 to refer the plan back to staff for further consideration of the role of neighbouhood pools in the community and the qualitative experience of pool users.
