A new concept plan for Centennial Park features six ball diamonds, a soccer pitch and a new access point from Highway #5 near the west end of the Bella Vista Inn.
Part of the parking lot in front of the Elgar Peterson Arena will be paved, while the new ball diamonds will be placed in such a way that it doesn’t require the current four to be moved – a cheaper option than previous plans.
Since the park is lower on its western end, a berm will be installed on the north end of the park. The berm will also allow for a pedestrian trail to Quill Centre. A force main, pump and storm drains will aim to keep the park dry.
An area north of the Elgar Petersen Arena has also been marked off for future Uniplex expansion.
“This is something that we’re looking at as an option for next year in our budgeting process this fall,” said Rob Muench, Humboldt’s mayor.
The mayor later added on his Facebook page he thinks this concept plan is better than what was originally planned.
“We are ending up with a plan that saves the taxpayers millions of dollars, improves parking, adds two new diamonds, adds paving, curbing and lights, and solves the drainage issues,” he wrote.
The public is being asked their thoughts on the plan. They could give input at the city’s booth at the annual trade show on Sept. 29 and 30. As well, they’ll be able to give input by contacting the city’s planning or leisure service departments.
The mayor gave some feedback of his own to the plan at the Sept. 24 council meeting. He’s concerned about the the new access’ effect on traffic. The new entrance would have two lanes out and one lane in.
“I’m a little concerned about that, I guess, but that’s something we need to look at,” he said. “I think we originally thought it would be better on 21st Street by the big LED sign that’s out there but that, again, involves more roadway to get over there and that type of thing.”
Muench told council there needs to be some thought about that aspect of the plan. He said to council he wondered if the money spend on adding the access would be better spent paving more of the parking lot.
