Fix it and they’ll use it
Charlottetown deputy mayor says he has some ideas on how to create more parking at Victoria Park
Charlottetown Deputy Mayor Mike Duffy says parking has become a major problem at Victoria Park.
He raised the issue during the regular public monthly meeting of city council on Monday night.
“My concern is that right now we don’t have enough parking areas for a large volume of vehicles,’’ Duffy said. “It’s the crown jewel and it’s quite busy so we have to accommodate folks because they’re coming from quite a distance to enjoy themselves.’’
Right now, there is the long strip along the Victoria Park Roadway where vehicles can park, and there is some additional parking at Memorial Field.
A few vehicles can also fit up near the tennis courts, but the deputy mayor said that’s about it.
So, he asked Coun. Mitchell Tweel and the parks and recreation committee to look at options.
“What I asked Coun. Tweel here tonight is to look at the area right across the street from Memorial Field, that’s the area where the
maintenance buildings are.’’
Duffy said the ground is in terrible shape, to the point where people simply won’t park past the boulders that split the parking lot in two (one side is paved, the other isn’t).
Duffy would like to see the boulders removed and the grassy side of the parking lot (which is a pit of mud and potholes right now) graded.
Duffy says there are potholes the size of craters in that grassy area.
“If you went into one of those (muddy) craters you’d have trouble getting out. We can start by levelling the (surface) so people don’t damage their vehicles and then, as time goes on, you can put flower boxes in there.’’
Duffy stressed there is no appetite to pave any part of the park for parking, but changes can be made across from Memorial Field to create a lot more room for people.
“We’re not going to go in there and start making parking lots. It’s green space and it’s going to remain green space. This little area (by the maintenance building) is more industrial and could be used as parking.’’
Duffy said it’s already the crown jewel in the city and he thinks a bit of tinkering could make it even better. Tweel said he would take Duffy’s concerns back to his committee.