The proposal by the area’s two Rotary clubs to build a children’s splash park at George Little Park may have inadvertently opened up a wider debate about recreation facilities and opportunities within Terrace.
The Rotary proposal is quite clear – the construction of a splash park will add to the amenities at George Little Park and broaden its use for those who live in the area and use the park for recreation. Not everyone, notes Terrace Rotary Club president Kelly Gingles, has access to Lakelse Lake or surrounding places to enjoy summer water sports.
Equally true is that George Little Park is becoming crowded. In addition to the performance stage and audience area, there is an existing children’s playground and, behind the library, a collection of seniors’ exercise equipment.
Just up the hill is the city’s sportsplex and beside it, a skateboard park, the Christy park soccer fields and playgrounds at three schools.
Contrast that to the southside where there is a small play area next to the ballfields on Kerr, a small play area at the Elks ballfield and the Cassie Hall playground.
The case could be made that the Southside is underserviced given the number of people who live there when combined with Keith Ave./Hwy16 acting as a barrier between the Southside and the rest of the city.
In considering the Rotary proposal, city council will have to think carefully about a recreation balance.