Delta residents lament plans to pave park for more parking spots

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Neighbourhood residents gathered today in Tsawwassen’s Winskill Park to raise the alarm about redevelopment plans for the replacement of Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

All three redevelopment proposals put forward by Delta City Council jeopardize a treasured 2.5 hectare forest and a free disc golf course, to make room for increased parking and a new baseball diamond.

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“It’s irresponsible, not just for people now, but for future generations,” said Andrew Turner, a Delta inclusive education teacher and father of a toddler.

“Delta is planning to tear down a whole ecosystem.”

Turner said everyone understands the 50-year-old Aquatic Centre needs to be replaced, but the removal of the forest would be a blow to seniors, families, and residents who don’t play organized sports and use the forest for walking, mental health reasons and non-fee based recreation.

Turner believes it’s imperative to retain and renew the forested area, which he said provides much-needed shade, and is ecologically important.

Local resident Steve Scott, 75, said the forested area is the only option for nearby seniors to walk. “Winskill park isn’t just for athletes,” said Scott.

Scott said local residents’ concerns have not been taken into consideration, despite public consultation. “They presented their options, but it appeared to be a done deal,” said Scott.

A detailed proposal report published by Delta council in April shows three options for the $130 million dollar project, all of which include the development of a fourth baseball diamond, and nearly doubling the parking.

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“I’m not anti-team sports or anti-baseball,” said Turner, who plays slo-pitch in Winskill Park. “But we need to prioritize options that are inclusive of everyone’s needs,” said Turner.

“They need to put out some proposals that show responsible eco-stewardship,” said Turner. “A forest area is so important. I thought the whole world was on board with preserving trees for future generations.”

A recent arborist reports showed that 317 of the forest’s 596 trees are in poor condition, but Turner believe that the forest could be replanted and preserved.

Turner said none of the proposals show alternative parking options like tiered or underground parking would preserve the forested area and disc golf space.

“You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. They paved paradise and put in a parking lot, just like the Joni Mitchell song,” said Scott.

dryan@postmedia.com

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