Policy statement

1   To distribute park features in a fair and equitable way based on the park classification system and the park prioritization framework.

Purposes of this policy

2   The purpose of this policy is provide a framework of features available within various park locations, which will assist staff with processing these requests; and result in a complete community, fiscal discipline and organizational alignment through a transparent process.

Application

3   This policy applies to the addition of features in parks.

Interpretation

4   The Interpretation Bylaw, 2019, applies to this policy.

Definitions

5   In this policy:

"approval" means the official approval of a request by council;

"city-wide parks" means "City-Wide Parks", including "Destination Park", "Athletic Park" and "Urban Park", as outlined in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan;

"community parks" means "Community Parks" as outlined in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan;

"crime prevention through environmental design" means a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behaviour through environmental design and strategies rely upon the ability to influence offender decisions that precede criminal acts by affecting the build, social and administrative environment;

"feature" means a desirable or useful feature, amenity or facility of a building or place, including, but not limited to, picnic shelters, benches, parking, garbage reciprocals, playgrounds, washroom facilities, public art and spray parks or pools;

"neighbourhood parks" means "Neighbourhood Parks" as outlined in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan;

"park" means "Park" as defined in the Parks Bylaw, 2016;

"park classification system" means "Parks and Open Spaces Classification System" as outlined in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan;

"park prioritization framework" means the City's "Park Prioritization Framework";

"open space" means "Open Space" as outlined in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan;

"request" means a request for a feature;

"requestor" means the individual requesting a feature;

"trails" means "Trails" as outlined in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

Distribution and installation of features

6   (1) The City's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department manages parks, features, trails, open spaces, sport courts and natural areas throughout the City and often receives requests from individuals to install various features within parks.

(2) Planning for distribution and installation of features is determined as follows:

(a)

(b) consideration of the park classification system;

(c) consideration of community consultation;

(d) available budget; and

(e) other considerations outlined in the park prioritization framework.

(3) When required, development of structures will be in accordance with all applicable building codes.

(4) Crime prevention through environmental design principals will be followed.

(5) Feature request process:

(a) All requests for a feature must be submitted in writing to the City's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department for consideration and approval;

(b) The request deadline for features is May 1st of each year for the following year;

(c) Features are considered based on the criteria set out in paragraph (a);

(d) The request process is administered by the City's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department;

(e) Features are approved by council; and

(f) Written confirmation of approval or rejection will be provided to the requestor.

Related procedures, guidelines and publications

7   The following documents relate to this policy:

(a) Parks Bylaw, 2016;

(b) Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan;

(c) Park classification system;

(d) Park prioritization framework; and

(e) Public Art Policy.