The District of Lake Country Parks and Recreation Department is proud to be the recipient of the 2011 BCRPA Parks and Open Space Award for Swalwell Park. This award recognizes innovative spaces that have, or could have, a significant impact in the Recreation and Parks field. These spaces will have demonstrated excellence in concept, design and development. “Swalwell Park is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy a variety of community activities” says Mayor James Baker.
Swalwell Park is a key community park in the District of Lake Country. Located in the Town Centre development area, across the road from the high school and seniors care home, the park is adjacent to Vernon Creek which has high fisheries values. Prior to the District’s new investment in the space, Swalwell Park contained a ball diamond and sports field, a skateboard park, two public art sculptures, a gravel parking lot jutting into the ball diamond and some old structures containing substandard washrooms and storage space. Despite the minimal facilities, the park was frequently used for community events, sports and a weekly farmer’s market.
In 2005 the District of Lake Country Council began the process of planning and upgrading the park to make it the “jewel” of Lake Country and a major focal point for the Town Centre. The first step was the preparation of the Swalwell Park Master Plan, which involved visioning, establishing the program of activities and facilities, reviews of plan options and selection and refinement of a preferred plan. Once the plan was adopted, implementation began in phases based on the availability of capital budgets. The estimated budget to finish the complete build out of the park is estimated to be approximately $3.3 million.
Phases 1 and 2 involved the construction of a pavilion with washrooms, a multi-use stage/picnic shelter, concession and storage. Environmental considerations, long term durability, maintenance and site accessibility were significant factors influencing the design. The pavilion features contemporary, sustainable architecture, with a green roof with native plants partially watered with grey (recycled) water from the sinks and a butterfly garden. The pavilion creates a welcoming, safe and accessible space for community gatherings and events in the park. The Pavilion was partially funded through a $215,000 BC Spirit Square grant and has received two other awards: Masonry Institute of BC – 2008 Masonry Design Award of Excellence – Small Project and; 2009 Lieutenant-Governor of BC Medal from Architecture Institute of BC.
Another phase of the project involved riparian restoration and environmental enhancements along Vernon Creek. The Lake Country Environmental Society was consulted and children from the local Boys and Girls Club assisted with the planting of approximately 1200 trees and shrubs, increasing the width of the riparian area beside the creek.
In 2010 the District continued its investment in Swalwell Park with the development of the Trethewey Splash Park. The design is a fruit theme based on the strong fruit farming industry in the District of Lake Country. The Trethewey Family contributed $350,000 to the splash park which had an overall cost of approximately $700,000.
The department hopes to complete the parking lot and farmers’ market re-build in 2012.
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