“It’s a stupid idea.”
That was one of the messages sent to Williams Lake City Council during an open house regarding the potential sale of five parks Thursday night.
Residents who packed Council chambers brought up scenes of nature and more young families moving into town, to the importance of community green spaces other than Boitanio Park and the River Valley Trail, as just some of the many reasons why the Twelfth Avenue Tot Park, Johnson Street Park, Beauchamp Park, Gibbon Street Park, and Patrick Reid Park should be saved.
Councillor Scott Nelson was the only elected official to speak out.
Although residents did ask other Councillors in attendance as well as Mayor Walt Cobb for their stand on the issue, Cobb said there would be the opportunity at a regular Council meeting and that the process had to be respected.
Kimberly Code who spearheaded a petition says she was very excited with the turnout.
“I spent a lot of time trying to let our neighborhoods and friends know that I’d like to just stop the selling of parks. It’s important to have green space whether they’re being used or not.”
Only one resident spoke in favour of the potential sale.
A report on the open house, as well as consultation period comments will be summarized in a report with what to do next.
Information materials presented at the open house will be on display at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Centre from May 14th to 24th, with responses being accepted at City Hall and the Recreation Centre until May 24th.