The creation and implementation of new recreation membership rates and a recreation pass proved to be popular with residents, while it has been a financial boon for city hall.
The new rates and new pass have had a positive effect overall, explained Scott Osmachenko, recreation services manager. The Parks and Recreation Department has generated more than $70,000 in membership revenue from January to September and has seen an increase in aquatic memberships.
This has all resulted in considerable increases in the use of recreation buildings, although it has caused issues with allocating pool space to user groups, he continued. Changes have been made to program schedules and additional instructors and class times will need to be added and adjusted.
YaraCentre fitness classes have also increased and may result in the municipality offering additional class times.
Since June, more than 355 recreation passes have been sold.
Osmachenko gave his presentation during the most recent parks and recreation advisory committee meeting. The report was presented to city council on Oct. 28, with a motion to receive and file the report approved unanimously.
Biking and walking to YaraCentre
Parts of the City of Moose Jaw’s trails master plan is being implemented; it will include a list of connection and accessibility issues for residents who want to visit municipal recreation buildings and centres, explained Derek Blais, director of parks and recreation. The master plan will assist the department in prioritizing issues that can be addressed as funds become available.
As part of the master plan, all trail amenities such as signs and garbage cans have been mapped using a computer program called Geographic Information System.
The department is consulting with the public about what residents want in the overall master plan. Nearly 500 households have been sent a survey to answer. Blais noted the first draft of the master plan is expected to arrive soon.
Outdoor activities and events
The 2019 playground program was a big success, with about 3,000 more participants compared to 2018, said Osmachenko. The new spray park at East End Park contributed to the majority of new attendees.
With the addition of YaraCentre to the department, marketing through Facebook and Instagram is being combined and has added more opportunities related to staff, programs and ideas, he continued.
The department is working on a Tree Protection Bylaw to protect the municipality’s urban forest. It will bring forward a report to the advisory committee soon about this bylaw, which the committee could then forward to city council for approval, explained department operations manager Cory Oakes.
Crescent Park upgrades
Crescent Park upgrades that have been completed, or are underway, include the installation of a crusher dust pathway along Third Avenue, the removal of old fencing along Athabasca Street, repairs to the bricks on the water fountain and dredging of the serpentine creek, which has improved the flow of water through that body, he continued.
The west outdoor soccer field at YaraCentre has been regraded and hydro-seeded so it can be operational by 2021. Meanwhile, new outdoor site furniture was added at the Kinsmen Sportsplex and new shrubs were planted to improve the front landscape.
Six new large cedar park signs were installed this year and replaced some of the older, faded signs, Oakes added.
The department is still waiting for confirmation from the provincial government about proceeding with upgrades to the Sportsplex that were identified that could be funded using additional Gas Tax money, said Blais. The upgrades will be completed in 2020 and include the restoration of the upper-built roof, replacement of the fire suppression system on the arena side, and renovations to the pool change rooms and front counter.
The next regular council meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 12.
