HUMBOLDT — City planners are looking for public input to design a new park development on Humboldt’s north end.
The approximately eight-hectare site on the corner of 16th Avenue and Highway 20 are in the preliminary design phase, according to Amanda Lang, landscape architect with urban design firm Scatliff+Miller+Murray, and getting ideas from the community on how they want the space used is the main focus of the online survey that is available.
More than 200 responses have been received so far, with the survey available until Sept. 30. A concept plan will be developed following the closing of the survey, which will be brought to Humboldt city council to review.
The potential green space already has a large hill from a previous city project and Lang said the goal is making it safer as a tobogganing hill.
According to the survey introduction, the city would like public assistance to, “assess community needs, desires, expectations and prioritization of facilities for the park.”
Suggestions for the space include play structures, sporting courts and fields, an off-leash dog park, gardens and picnic spots.
While some questions have predetermined answers for respondents to choose from, there are space for other suggestions for other park features.
The goal for the space is to have it usable year-round, Lang said, which is important for park longevity.
City of Humboldt staff were in attendance at the city wide registration night with a display of the potential space. Michael Ulriksen, Humboldt’s community and leisure services director, said the response has been good so far, with many comments confirming that residents want more activities during the winter, especially the toboggan hill. An off-leash dog park and tennis courts were also well received.
“One of the main components will be trail development on that north property,” Ulriksen said. “[It] will be a nice transition out to Burton Lake trail and the nice walk that we have going north out of town.”
Ulriksen said they are essentially working with a blank canvas, so there are few restrictions that would keep some ideas off the table. He added the park will dramatically impact future development of Humboldt’s north end.
The survey is available online. A physical copy can be obtained at the Humboldt Uniplex.
