Washrooms, parking, pathways, and accessibility were big concerns discussed at the first Centennial Park public input session Wednesday.
About 50 residents participated in brainstorming ideas for nine categorized focus areas for the new plans.
"We're asking people to provide us with their input, ideas and suggestions based on each of these different park elements," says Director of Parks and Recreation Beth Gignac. "There are some fantastic ideas that I've heard tonight."
Member of the Blue Anglers Club Chris Poiser spent much of his time at the proposed boat launch discussion table. He says the new boat launch plans are 'pathetic' and hopes the public's input regarding parking and congestion will be considered moving forward.
"This is a very, very big step for Sarnia," says Poiser. "I think we should really concentrate on doing the best that we can."
Other residents at the session were very pleased with the proposed plans and looking forward to embracing a new park that has been long awaited for.
"I'm very proud of our community," says resident Madeline Mahon. "When you have these wonderful parks, and you have public art, and you have the waterway? That is God's gift to us."
The next steps is for city staff to summarize data provided at Wednesday's public input session and report back to residents at a second consultation meeting on June 9th. At that time, they will be asked to participate in a 'dotmocracy' activity session where they can vote on their highest wants and needs.
A third consultation meeting will take place on June 29th to report back on the voting results and ask the public if their input was heard correctly.
"This community input provides us with one piece of a very complex puzzle," says Gignac. "It will then be our job to present that full puzzle to council so that they can have the full-some view of what we've heard."
Public feedback is also welcomed online at sarnia.ca/centennialpark.
Nine focus areas discussed at the public input meeting: - Accessibility - Public art - Gardens and landscape - Playgrounds - Event programming - Trails and pathways - Proposed boat launch - Naturalization - Concessions and food
