Rink, library at top of list in Stratford Recreation Master Plan

The Townof Stratford, P.E.I., is planning for the future of culture and recreation.

A Recreation Master Plan is being produced that will guide the town's role in the delivery of recreation services, including programs and facilities, over the next 10 years.

After months of community consultation, data collection, research and in-depth analysis, consulting firm MacPherson Roche Smith is almost ready to provide the Town of Stratford a draft version of the plan.

"Facilities is a capital-intensive budget item for municipalities," saidKeith Hansen, senior consultant with MacPherson, Roche, Smith.

"It's something you not only need to plan long term for, but also in the immediate term, in terms of ongoing maintenance, as well as operational needs for these facilities."

As part of developing the master planextensive meetings were held with sports and cultural organizations. There was also an online survey, where participantswere asked what they felt should bepriorities in the coming years.

A community hub

Hansen said two items were at the top of the list: anew library and an ice pad.

He said the current library space isn't sufficient to accommodate the growing number of card-carrying members.

"Libraries, if you look across the country, are very much reinventing themselves and they're still true to being a community hub for everyone here in the community. They're one of the few places where you can go without an appointment, without reserving space, and you can go in and get something," said Hansen.

"In terms of long-term facility needs in the town, they need multi-use space that's flexible, can be used for multiple generations, both recreationally and culturally."

Resident Walter MacEwen, attended the public meeting to hearwhat consultants had come up with so far and provide his own input.

He said baseball fields in Stratford are adequate for games, but would like to see improved practice facilities.

He also likes the idea of a multi-use centre.

"If we could increase our fields and do a little bit of work maybe on the fields with lights that would allow double exposure in the evenings during the summer, and following the lead of a lot of maritime centres and Ontario centres where they build a complex with several facilities, not just baseball, but including soccer and football," MacEwensaid.

'Money well spent'

Resident Derek Smith, said a new ice pad is needed in the community, particularly for children.

"I think that should be built down by the schools and let the kids, who are the main user of ice time, have that facility close to themso before, during and after school, they can put on skates and have some fun," said Smith.

"Build a ice pad, build a splash pad," Smith added. "People will move to your community because of a facility being there, and they want it here and they'll use it. It's going to cost yes, but it's money well spent."

The consulting firm will speak to communitygroups identified at the public meeting before submitting a final report early in the new year.

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