An underutilized piece of Prime Ministers' Park could see a makeover next year.
A spot of wild growth adjacent to the east edge of Andy Zwack Field was a tree nursery at one time, but now sits relatively unused. A report prepared for the city's executive committee provides the city with six capital options that will be up for discussion during Monday's meeting.
Bob Gill, parks and open space manager, suggested everything from an off-leash dog park to another sports field.
The report notes the city was one of few cities that doesn't have a fenced dog park. Such a park would require signs, fencing and some landscaping, as well as other amenities such as benches and doggie bag dispensers.
It would cost an estimated $58,000 and have separate areas for large and small dogs, according to Gill's report.
The second concept, picnic sites, would cost an estimated $72,000 and contain nine sites. It wouldn't allow fires, added the report.
Another football/soccer field would cost an estimated $69,000. That estimate doesn't contain bleacher costs.
Players' benches and an irrigation system would make up part of the cost.
Gill's fourth option was similar to the picnic site possibility, but included seven picnic sites and two picnic shelters, similar to shelters in Kinsmen Park.
The shelters would have water and power. Its estimated cost tied for the top cost of all six options at $90,000.
Also estimated at $90,000 would be a smaller off-leash dog park with two picnic shelters on the north end outside the dog park.
The final and cheapest option given by Gill in the report was a $50,000 playground. The report noted a new playground could be a standalone project, or be implemented with any of the other ideas.
The report added the Rotary Trail's close proximity to the lot would mean a playground could be a "welcome addition" to the area.
If any construction did take place, a buffer zone of trees behind Grey Owl Crescent wouldn't be touched, said the report.
jpage@paherald.sk.ca
