Coquitlam’s parks department is forging ahead with a plan for Blue Mountain Park that will guide the development and replacement of old amenities.
Some upgrades have happened as recently as five years ago, when the playground equipment and picnic shelters were replaced. But a staff report noted that there has been “no consistent theme or holistic vision for the park as amenities have been added incrementally at different times.”
The report stated that the wading pool, built in 1960, and the spray deck, built in 1992, are nearing their end of lifespans and are in need of replacement. The plan is expected to call for a new, larger spray deck and will determine the future of several buildings on the site, including the Scout Hall and washroom/concession facilities, which were built in the 1960s.
With more people expected to move into the Austin Heights neighbourhood in the coming years, staff said Blue Mountain Park will become even more popular. Other amenities at the 19.9-acre site include a baseball diamond, tennis courts, trails and a cenotaph where annual Remembrance Day celebrations are held.
Work on the plan will get underway with the hiring of a consultant this month, following council’s approval on Monday. A draft concept for the park will be in place by early next year and public consultations are expected to take place in March and April of 2018. The report said that a final plan could be brought to council in June 2018.
