The sketches weren’t as pretty or eye appealing as councillors wanted, but they approved the final draft concept for the park in Ryders Ridge and The Vista at Ryders Ridge subdivisions.
It will now be provided to developers who are responsible for constructing the park.
In June 2013, residents of Pierview and Ryders Ridge raised concerns about the proposed park.
“At this meeting the overwhelming concern from residents was that the open space É would have the trees removed and that they requested the area be left in a natural state,” said background provided to councillors at their meeting Aug. 11.
Earlier this year LA West Landscape Architects was hired to complete the design process. A public open house was held in April to review their concepts and collect information. That along with additional input from the developers and on-line submissions through the town’s web page was collected and incorporated into the final draft concept.
Looking at designs provided with the council package, Councillor Megan Chernoff said, “I’m disappointed with the end result map, the image going out to the public”.
“This is hugely important,” said Councillor Dale Plante. “It’s very controversial to residents. This presentation sucks. This isn’t what we want to put out. We want something that reflects the effort put into this. The map has to be revised with what it’s going to look like, things people can visualize.”
Mayor Sean McIntyre noted the actual landscape design is OK, but the communications end needed to be better.
“When we had the open house we had great maps,” added Chernoff. “They just weren’t the right trails.”
Betty Osmond, the town’s chief administrative officer, said the images could certainly be upgraded before they’re circulated.