New design for downtown park
They all want a park. But they have different ideas of what it should look like and differing views on whether a park and a dance club can coexist.
These are the details hashed out Tuesday night as 40 community members attended the unveiling of renderings and details of the long-awaited green space known as the John Rebecca Park, in the Beasley neighbourhood. Feedback from the meeting may be incorporated into the final plans. The $2.5-million park will replace a parking lot, with construction beginning next year.
Ward 2 Coun. Jason Farr says the park — bounded by John, Rebecca, Catharine and King William streets — will appear alongside the new Hamilton Police Service forensic building being built adjacent to the park and that both — via Beasley Park — are within easy walking distance to “restaurant row” on King William, creating “a greenway to the heart of the city.”
The park plan includes groves of large shade trees, an expansive lawn, a vinecovered pergola, a spray pad and ice rink and a welcoming gateway.
Those at the meeting, held at the Beasley Community Centre, also asked for water fountains, street trees, a band shell and safe street crossings. The current design includes the retention of a building that didn’t appear in earlier drawings. That’s Club Seventy-Seven, the dance club connected to two homicides.
It has been discovered the club may have heritage value. But city officials at the meeting said their intention is to acquire the Club Seventy-Seven property, which is zoned for parkland. No city official would confirm if it will expropriate the club.
Some raised concerns that club patrons will wind up in the park after closing time, participating in “undesirable activities.”
Carol Priamo, who lives in the condos across the road, is skeptical. She says the city has torn down buildings with more significant heritage value than the club.
She and her husband bought a condo believing the developer that within a year, Club Seventy-Seven would be converted into a park. That was 2010. She says the club noise is so loud they sold at the front of the building to move into one in back. Chris Ritsma, 23, wants a park and club. “I like parks and I also like to dance and drink,” says the Burlington resident who hopes to move here and raise a family.