Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 29, 2010 6:00 PM
A new public facility in Polson Park will move ahead despite some opposition. Construction on a $1.26 million pavilion is expected to get underway at the end of August. “The pavilion is a multi-purpose building to address a number of needs of organizations that use the park,” said Kim Flick, planning and building services manager. Located on the site of the former grandstand, the new structure will include public performance space, seating, year-round washrooms, a concession, storage and a parks and recreation office. However, the pavilion will face the oval and track, and that’s a concern for resident David Hesketh. “It does not face where most event audiences will be. People want to sit where there is a mix of sun and shade. That would be behind this stage,” said Hesketh in a letter to the city. “If it faces the bandshell, then one stage or the other could be used as a grandstand or both stages could have entertainment and take turns.”
Hesketh also questions why the project is moving ahead now when a long-term plan is being developed for the entire park by the city and the regional district. “I feel this project should be put on hold for a few weeks or a few months, at least until the park plan is determined and the future of the oval is decided,” he said. Hesketh has support from Coun. Patrick Nicol, who wants the pavilion facing the bandshell. “If you want practical use of something, they would complement each other,” said Nicol, adding that the bandshell area provides shade. “The least park like setting of Polson Park is the oval.”
Flick says that while the pavilion will host performances, it was never intended for just that use. “It can be an outdoor classroom for the science centre or the arts centre,” she said, adding that the timeline is based on insurance money from the grandstand fire. Flick also believes the pavilion will be an asset even if the track and oval are eventually removed and replaced by a large, grassy area. “It would be appropriate for audiences that want to view the stage.” According to Flick, the pavilion should not compete with the bandshell. “We’re talking about two different opportunities for events,” she said. Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe wants the pavilion to look out on the oval. “It’s a big area. When you consider the Olympic torch, we needed a bigger space,” she said. Hesketh has also expressed concern that the pavilion concession will be right next to the stage. That part of the plan is currently under review by city staff and the architect involved.
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