Public park planned for Felker’s Falls

A large public park is being planned for Felker’s Falls in upper Stoney Creek.

City politicians have agreed to accept an offer from the Hamilton Conservation Authority to lease nearly three acres of HCA open space at Felker’s Falls. A parking lot nearby is also available.

The idea was suggested by Stoney Creek Coun. Doug Conley, an authority director. The board made the offer to the city late last year.

Conley said city officials have been reviewing the proposal. He said the city has been maintaining the property for the past six months.

The proposal is for the city to negotiate a 20-year lease agreement for the land in a residential neighbourhood off Ackland Street at a cost of $2 per year.

Felker’s Falls also provides access to the Bruce Trail.

Conley had already received approval from his colleagues in May to use about $95,000 to install a play structure at Felker’s Falls park. About $16,300 would be included in the public works’ 2018 operating budget for annual maintenance.

He said the play structure has already been ordered. “I hope we can get started on it.” Authority officials had stated there is no ecological function of the open space and it would be suitable for the creation of a park for the expanding residential community in the upper Stoney Creek area.