The first phase of redeveloping Coquitlam's oldest park will cost nearly $2 million - but it won't look anything like the conceptual plan stakeholders saw earlier this year.
Last week, at the city's recreation committee meeting, members saw a rendering of how the original proposal for Mackin Park will be affected by Metro Vancouver's utility rights of way. Representatives for the regional government have told Coquitlam staff they don't want concrete poured or trees or fill covering the rights of way in case they need access to the water and sewer lines.
As a result, some of the new amenities to the north of the park will have to be moved in the plans, said Kathy Reinheimer, Coquitlam's manager of parks and facilities. As well, Metro Vancouver staff also want to be on site when construction happens at the park, she said.
Coun. Selina Robinson said stakeholders and Maillardville residents who took part in the consultation exercises with the city this and last year should be alerted to the changes, especially for the skateboard park, water play area and tennis courts.
Phase 1 of the park upgrades - a major component to the neighbourhood revitalization in the French-speaking enclave - also include replacement of utilities, new gardens, a promenade and a central events plaza.
The Beedie Group, which plans to build a waterfront village at nearby Fraser Mills, is donating $500,000 towards the cost of sports field improvements at Mackin Park, which is home to Coquitlam Little League, Coquitlam Minor Football and Festival du Bois.
Park users have been told the north part of the park will be fenced off during construction, until next summer.
