CALGARY- A plan to add a new recreational facility in McKenzie Towne has divided the southeast community.
The $2 million plaza project would see an existing skate park upgraded, and the addition of a climbing wall and mini outdoor skating rink.
“All the old stuff here is getting pretty outdated, it’s been here I think nine or 10 years,” says skateboarder Ben Mcluskey. “A new park would be a nice change, maybe get some new stuff for the next incoming years.”
It was narrowly approved by the residents association last week, but critics are concerned because it’s near to a busy traffic circle. 30-thousand vehicles pass through the area every day, and homeowners say it’s a safety issue.
“I think a lot more work is needed, because the general consensus from everybody at the open house and at obviously at the vote was that the McKenzie Towne residents were not properly consulted, and that concerns were not properly addressed or even properly noted,” says homeowner Zach St. Croix.
The area councillor also wants residents to reconsider the plan.
“I would ask that the R.A. maybe rethink ‘are they representing all of the residents?’” says Shane Keating. “If they feel confident, then bring the application forward and let those who oppose it come and talk to council and say ‘we have a problem with this.’”
The association is scheduled to meet in the coming weeks, to discuss the next steps.
Comments