The proposed WIDC Park, and the concerns surrounding it came up at last night’s Talktober.
Some residents are worried about possible security issues and crime in the area. Others feel a park just won’t fit downtown.
Mayor Lyn Hall did say there were talks of a stronger police presence in the area. One citizen asked about installing a locked gate around the park which was something Mayor Hall was quick to shoot down.
“This is open space, we want it to be utilized as much as possible. As I said (tonight), I go back to what we did at the old Norgate area across the street from The Keg and there’s no fencing around there and it’s not causing us an issue.”
Keeping that in mind, Mayor Hall believes WIDC Park will also be great for the area.
“If we continue to do things the same old way, we’re not going to move forward on this redevelopment and redesign of downtown. I think we need to be innovative and try different things and, for me, the park is that new innovation.”
Work on WIDC Park was originally scheduled this past spring but was delayed due to things like an environmental clean up, a proposed transit station, and hydro pole locations. It’s now set to break ground next year, Hall hopes during Spring.
There is one more Talktober this year. It’ll start at 6:30 PM Wednesday at CNC for residents in the Bowl.