Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Long Range Plans

The Ranger asked me a question today that has me trying to think outside the box. He said, "What do you think should be done with this park?" My first response was, "Completely replace the entire infrastructure." That's because the buildings, plumbing, wiring, irrigation system (520 sprinklers, solenoids, valves, couplers and pipes), storm sewers, playground equipment, vehicles... even some of the hedges and trees are old, worn out, and falling apart.

A small version of the park, immediately surrounding the Peace Arch, has been in existence since 1921. The larger, 40-acre version, since 1931. One can only imagine the number of changes, re-designs, upgrades, lost blue prints and undocumented modifications that led us to today's mess.

Replacing the infrastructure is obvious and essential (and boring), but the more I think about the original question, more possibilities come to mind for improving the park in years to come. That's something I can get excited about!