MARPOLE COMMUNITY PLAN s & Public Space Information Package
CONTENTS Introduction 1 What we know! s and Open Space 11 Public Spaces and Facilities 12 Services 13 Food 14 What We Know: General 15 What We Heard: s 17 Public Realm, Access and Linkages 23 Community Facilities 25 Food 28 Neighbourhood Planning through Dialogue: Information Package March, 2013 Cover Photo: Sunset at Fraser River By Zhi Ming Zhong - ii -
INTRODUCTION Marpole is home to some of the most diverse public spaces in Vancouver. From well-loved parks like Fraser River and Oak, to an array of school yards, community gardens, and smaller, but equally important places to gather and recreate. There s also an array of important community facilities, public art, views of the Fraser River, areas for local food production and many other aspects of the public realm. In April 2012, the City of Vancouver launched a Community Plan process for Marpole. When completed, the plan will set out a series of long-range directions (policies and priorities) for the neighbourhood. The new community plan will update an older plan that dates to 1979. The new will cover a range of topics - and parks and public space will be a key part of this. As part of the planning process, we re looking for your help in crafting directions and shaping the future of the neighbourhood. This backgrounder includes information on several major topics areas relating to park and Public Spaces: s & Open Space Community Facilities & Services Public Realm, Access & Linkages Food This backgrounder also covers: Key City bylaws, policies and programs currently in place that shape and impact parks and public spaces and programs in Vancouver What we know - key stats and details pertaining to the neighbourhood What we ve heard - ideas and input on this subject that we ve gathered from the community to date - 1 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION Community Planning and the City s role in parks and public space: the back-story Before diving into specific aspects of parks and public space, you may want to know a little about the community planning process, as well as some more general information about how the City engages with parks and public space issues and activities. The process was launched in the spring of last year - and will unfold in four phases. Phase One (completed in August 2012) involved outreach and engagement, as well as the general identification of assets, issues and opportunities in the neighbourhood (that is, what people love about the community, and areas that they d like to see changed). Phase Two, which we are in now, is focussed on the development of draft policy directions. Phase Three, which will run from May September, will result in the final draft Plan. Planning work will focus on five key planning themes, of which s & Public Space (which includes community facilities) are included. The others are: Land Use & Built Form Housing Transportation Other areas of focus - such as arts and culture, heritage, local economy, sustainability and green design - are also being incorporated into the process. The community planning process will develop policy directions for the whole neighbourhood ( neighbourhood wide policy ), as well as key geographic areas of focus ( sub-area policy ). The sub-areas that will be looked at are: Granville Street Oak Street Cambie Corridor Lower Hudson (south of W 70th Ave.) - 2 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION When discussing parks & public space in Marpole, it s important to keep in mind that this theme is interconnected with many of the other planning themes. For example, parks are often an important site of public art, public space is a key place for supporting social objectives, and the shape of a neighbourhood s public realm is a component in the overall character of the area. It s equally important to remember that the issues and opportunities related to public space can mean different things in different parts of the neighbourhood (for example, parts of the neighbourhood are wellserved by park space, while others aren t; some parts of the neighbourhood have easier access to vibrant high streets than others). What is Public Space? Public space (or spaces ) can include parks, plazas, streets, sidewalks and public facilities (such as community centres and libraries) that are open to the public. The degree of publicness may vary, depending on certain features (e.g. how accessible the space is, who owns the space, its design, the time of day, regulations or designated uses associated with the space). The term public realm is used in a fashion similar to public space but is often further broadened to reference other features and details found in public space - such as street furniture, street trees, pavers, planters and design elements. In light of these definitions, the title of our planning theme - s and public space might seem longer than necessary - because parks are a type of public space. We chose to do this at the expense of a little redundancy - because we thought it might be a bit clearer to anyone less familiar with the term public space (while at the same time allowing us to avoid a title that was comprised of a long list of different types of space). - 3 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION The City Tool Kit The City s jurisdiction over public space is defined through the Vancouver Charter the provincial legislation that outlines the extent of the City s authority. In particular, the Charter gives the City the power to regulate streets (including the use of streets, their creation and closure, the regulation of traffic and parking, street performances and parades), parks (including the acquisition of park land, the creation of a Board), trees, nuisances (such as noise), graffiti, and a host of other things that relate to the public realm. The Charter also provides the City with the authority to establish property taxes and create zoning & development bylaws - both of which play an important part in how public space is created and maintained. Land-Use In general, the City is granted the ability to create and administer land use designations, zoning & related considerations, design guidelines, development and rezoning processes. Land use and design considerations are used to support a variety of public space objectives. The Zoning & Development bylaw also shapes the placement, shape and size of buildings, as well as the amount of space they take up on a given piece of property (by setting out the allowable front, side and back yard set-backs) - all considerations that play a part in shaping the streetscape and other aspects of the public realm. Taxation & borrowing The power to collect property tax is used to finance an array of City services. Borrowing powers (& debentures) can also be used to finance capital projects - including parkland acquisition, community centre and library development. However, most property tax revenues are needed for operating costs, not capital costs. Furthermore, most capital expenditures are for maintenance, replacement, and safety. Only a small portion of capital expenditures (10-25%) are for new amenities or facilities. - 4 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION Bylaws Policy Development A bylaw is a legally enforceable regulation (or ordinance ) created by the municipality. A variety of bylaws pertain to parks and public space, including: s Control Bylaw - controls, regulates, protects, and governs public parks and places within the Vancouver Board of s and Recreation jurisdiction Street & Traffic Bylaw - regulates traffic and the use of streets Heritage Bylaw - pertains to the protection of heritage properties, sites, landscapes, and more. The bylaw protects a number of designated heritage buildings, structures or lands Noise Control Bylaw - regulates noise or sound within the city Street Tree Bylaw - regulates the Vancouver Board s care, condition, and management of trees on boulevards and medians of City-owned streets. A policy sets out a statement of position, or a preferred approach, to a particular subject. City staff, following direction from City Council, develops policy on a wide range of items - be they social, economic, or environmental - over which the municipality has a role or responsibility. These policies, in turn, guide decision-making, shape the allocation of resources, and provide a lens through which to evaluate current and emerging issues. Key policy documents that relate to parks and public space include: the Greenest City Action Plan, Transportation 2040 (Transportation Plan), and the Healthy City Strategy (currently in development). - 5 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION Design Guidelines The City produces design guidelines to further shape neighbourhood growth, development and sustainability. Depending on the subject, guidelines provide recommended approaches to various aspects of design (e.g. Accessible Design Guidelines, Mural Guidelines, View Protection Guidelines, Plaza Design Guidelines) and/or can act as a source of additional guidance on matters of architecture or neighbourhood character. Some guidelines pertain to a particular type of building (e.g. Community Care Facilities Guidelines), while other pertain to zoning district, or portion thereof. For example, in Marpole, there are Design Guidelines for the Marpole Triangle area zoned RM-4, located south of W.70th Avenue and west of Granville Street. - 6 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION Programs A number of City programs are designed to support the creation of vibrant parks and public spaces. These include: VIVA Vancouver - focuses on creatively transforming streets into vibrant public spaces - places for walking, lounging, and lunching. Viva projects have included: Liveable Laneways (laneway revitalization in Mt. Pleasant), street murals (West End & Marpole), and Lunch Meet (outdoor long-table series Gastown). Streets-to-Plazas - The Greenest City 2020 Action Plan includes goals for improving people s access to nature. The Plan s key strategies include ensuring that everyone is within a 5 minute walk of a park or open space. The street-to-park conversions are one way of achieving the Plan s access to nature goal. Several Streets-to-s conversions are being considered in Mt. Pleasant and Marpole. Pavement-to-Plazas - Pavement-to-Plaza projects target underused street rights-of-way to create low-cost, high-impact public spaces. The City s Transportation Plan, Transportation 2040, identifies several potential locations downtown and in the West End, and staff are exploring other opportunities across the city. Board - Various programs designed to encourage fitness and recreation within parks and Board facilities, as well as the broader community. Greenways - Greenways are green paths for pedestrians and cyclists. They can be waterfront promenades, urban walks, environmental demonstration trails, heritage walks, and nature trails. There are two types of greenway initiatives. The City Greenways initiative is made up of 17 proposed Greenway routes that will be about 140 km long when complete. Neighbourhood Greenways differ in that they are initiated by community groups and are generally smaller. Green Streets - a program run by the City of Vancouver where residents can volunteer to take care of gardens that have been installed in traffic calming spaces, such as traffic circles and corner bulges. Similarly, boulevard gardening allows for residents to garden on the boulevard within set guidelines. - 7 - Introduction
Development & Rezoning The development and rezoning processes can support public realm or park improvements through a number of ways. For example, good design and architectural merit can strengthen the character of a neighbourhood. Similarly, appropriate amounts of density can support local shops and services and help to ensure that neighbourhood parks, streets and gathering areas are lively and active. Development also helps to finance the creation of various types of public amenity through a number of mechanisms - including: Development Cost Levies (DCLs) - are collected from development help pay for facilities made necessary by growth. Facilities eligible for DCL funding include: parks, child care facilities, replacement housing (social/non-profit housing), and engineering infrastructure (e.g. transportation, sewer, water, drainage). Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) - are in-kind or cash contributions provided by developers when City Council grants additional development rights through rezonings. CACs can help address the increased demands that may be placed on City or surrounding community. In-kind CACs are support the creation of park space and child care facilities. Cash contributions are also used for parks and childcare and may also be put toward other amenities, such including libraries, community centres, transportation improvements, cultural facilities and neighbourhood houses. In addition to these tools, the City reviews development and rezoning applications for a range of architectural, public realm and urban design considerations. - 8 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION Heritage Designation Licenses & Permits Funding, Grants & Awards A legal means of enabling heritage protection for buildings, features and landscapes. Designation allows the City to regulate, by bylaw, the demolition, relocation and alteration of heritage property. Through this means, a designated landscape can also be protected from unsympathetic construction or excavation. Through its licensing and permitting processes, the City further regulates the use of public spaces. For example, the use of sidewalks for patio seating and tables, flower or retail displays, busking, or charity canvassing, requires a license. Other activities - such as religious outreach - require a permit. Permits are also required for special events (block parties, festivals, large celebrations, events taking place in parks, etc.) Several funding programs are administered by the City of Vancouver, a number of which relate to parks and public space. These include: Greenest City Fund - supports community ideas through three different granting programs (neighbourhood small grants, youth programs, community grants). Board Matching Fund - supports neighbourhood-based groups that want to make creative improvements to local public lands. Eligible projects must actively involve the community and build neighbourhood connections. Street-tree cleaning grants - administered by the Engineering Department and provide funding for non-profits to help clean selected commercial areas. Since 2009 the Kettle has been funded to help keep Commercial Drive tidy. Community & Neighbourhood Arts Development Program - cultural grants for festivals, celebrations, parades and other neighbourhood activities. Block Parties - the Engineering Department & local Community Centres support local block parties by eliminating costs associated with insurance, barricades, and permits. - 9 - Introduction
Civic Advisory Boards A number of Civic Advisory Boards - Council-appointed arms-length agencies, boards and committees - have mandates that relate to parks and public space. These include: Public Art Committee - Provides advice and guidance to City Council and staff, civic agencies, developers and citizens on public art matters, including the Public Art Program. Food Policy Council and Local Food Assets Taskforce both work on issues of food security - including community gardens, farmers markets, food programs and food vending. Vancouver Public Library Board of Directors works with senior library staff, develops library policy, and manages the system s budget. Various other committees have mandates to work on issues connected with public space, including: the Women s Advisory Committee, LGBTQ Committee, Multicultural Committee, Persons With Disabilities Committee, Urban Aboriginal Peoples Advisory and Seniors Advisory Committee, Vancouver City Planning Commission, the Civic Asset Naming Committee and the Urban Design Panel. Connecting & Convening Advocacy The City can play a role in bringing stakeholders together, supporting the work of community organizations, or fostering partnerships (leveraging the interests of other agencies, organizations and levels of governments to advance or address a particular issue or topic). On key issues - particularly those with a larger regional, provincial or national reach - the City can play a role in advocating with senior levels of government (and other stakeholders) for a given a position. - 10 - Introduction
Fremlin St French St Montcalm St Birch St Selkirk St Osler St Shaughnessy St Laurel St Ash St Yukon St Columbia St Manitoba St WHAT WE KNOW: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Cartier St Angus Dr Adera St Granville St Hudson St Oak St Heather St Cambie St Ontario St W 58th Ave Langara Golf Course W 59th Ave Dr W 60th Ave W 61st Ave W 62nd Ave Riverview W 63rd Ave W 64th Ave W 65th Ave W 66th Ave W 68th Ave W 67th Ave East Blvd Fraser River Shannon W 70th Ave SW Marine Dr W 71st Ave W Kent Ave North Heather St William Mackie Laurel St W 72nd Ave Marpole Ebisu Oak Eburne Ash Winona W 69th Ave W 75th Ave Shaughnessy Oak St W 77th Ave Boundary s Open Space Schools Playground Public Washroom Public Art Waterfront Access Area Waterfront Barriers Comments: Marpole has 12 parks ranging in size from 0.27 to 5.31 hectares (or 0.67 to 13.12 acres). Although 93% of residents live within a 5 minute walk of a park, open space or greenway (City average is 92%), a high proportion of Marpole s parks are ranked as being in poor condition (55% compared to 20% city-wide). Hudson St - 11 -
WHAT WE KNOW: PUBLIC SPACES AND FACILITIES Cartier St Angus Dr Adera St Granville St Hudson St Oak St Heather St Cambie St Ontario St W 57th Ave W 58th Ave W 59th Ave W 60th Ave W 61st Ave W 62nd Ave Dr W 63rd Ave W 64th Ave East Blvd W 70th Ave W 69th Ave Heather St SW Marine Dr W Kent Ave North Laurel St M W 75th Ave Oak St W 77th Ave Marpole Community Pla Boundary s Open Space Streets Library - Marpole Branc Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre Marpole Place Neighbourhood House /Marpole Oakridge Family Place Schools Community Gardens M Marpole Museum & Historical Society Comments: Marpole has 12 parks, 6 schools (2 of which are private), a community centre, a library, Neighbourhood House, and 5 community gardens. Hudson St - 12 -
Ontario St WHAT WE KNOW: SERVICES W 58th Ave W 59th Ave W 60th Ave W 61st Ave W 62nd Ave W 63rd Ave W 64th Ave Cartier St Dr East Blvd W 70th Ave W 69th Ave Cambie St Angus Dr Adera St Granville St Hudson St Oak St Heather St Heather St SW Marine Dr H H H W Kent Ave North Laurel St W 75th Ave H H Oak St W 77th Ave H H W 57th Ave H Boundary Youth Services Senior Services Family Services Multicultural Services Health-related Services Low-income Services Marpole Place Neighbourhood House /Marpole Oakridge Family Place Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre Childcare Comments: Marpole has 13 childcare facilities, 4 senior services, 7 health-related services and many multicultural services. Hudson St - 13 -
Ontario St W 58th Ave W 59th Ave W 60th Ave W 61st Ave W 62nd Ave W 63rd Ave W 64th Ave W Kent Ave North Heather St Laurel St Cartier St Dr East Blvd W 70th Ave W 69th Ave Cambie bie St Heather St Angus D Dr Dr Ad Adera St Granville St Hudson St Oak St SW Marine rine Dr W 75th Ave Ave Oak St W 77th Ave G Marpole Community Plan Boundary s Grocery store Future grocery store Corner store 5-minute walking shed Ca t Ave North W WHAT WE KNOW: FOOD G C G G G C C C C G C C G G C Hudson St - 14 -
WHAT WE KNOW: GENERAL Planning the neighbourhood: valuing parks and public space. At the beginning of the planning process, we developed the Marpole Assets, Issues & Opportunities Questionnaire. Over 500 people responded to the survey! In 25 years, I want Marpole to be recognised for its: In 25 years, the top things Marpole respondents want the community to be recognized for are: 1) affordable places to live; 2) an amazing waterfront park and trail system; and 3) vibrant, active and flourishing shopping opportunities. There were 403 responses to this question. Affordable places to live Amazing waterfront park and trail system Vibrant, active, and flourishing shopping opportunities Excellent transportation options Walkability Excellent high quality parks Other options included: Quiet tree-lined residential streets, Family-friendly services, Diversity of housing types, Environmental leadership, Arts and culture scene (i.e. festivals) and Multicultural character. *Each dot represents a single vote - 15 - What We Know: General
WHAT WE KNOW: GENERAL s and public space features prominently in the values that people associate with Marpole. The findings from the Questionnaire are also supported by asset mapping and focus group exercises. The Questionnaire also included some general questions about the current state-of-affairs in Marpole including level of satisfaction with public life and the appearance of the neighbourhood. How would you rate the following statements? The most popular statements about Marpole are: 1) I feel safe in Marpole ; 2) Marpole has excellent transit service ; and 3) Marpole is friendly and welcoming. Marpole has excellent transit service that allows me to get where I need to go Marpole has a good variety of shops, restaurants & services to meet my daily needs Marpole has great housing choices for everyone in our community Marpole is a friendly and welcoming community I feel safe in Marpole The services available through the community facilities in Marpole really meet my needs It s safe and easy to get around Marpole without a car There is a good diversity of recreational opportunities for me in Marpole I feel connected to my neighbours and have a strong sense of community in Marpole 0 20 40 60 80 100 Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree We also asked people to identify specific issues or opportunities for change or improvement in the neighbourhood. In terms of public space, there were a number of areas of focus and these form the basis of the present backgrounder: The importance of green space to the community The role and value of community facilities The role of key streets and pathways (both for their positive contributions to neighbourhood character and as areas of potential improvement) The possibility of other types of public space, such as plazas and squares - 16 - What We Know: General
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PARKS - 17 - Image [detail] by: Chris Dow s and Open Space
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE What We Heard from the Community Marpole has a number of public parks, how often do you visit these? Most respondents in Marpole visit small parks on a daily basis, but many visit both large and small parks on a weekly basis. Larger s (271) Riverfront s/trails (262) Smaller s (283) 0 20 40 60 80 100 Never Rarely Once a week Few times a week Daily What activities do you most often use Marpole s parks for? In Marpole s parks, the most common activities are playing sports (32%), walking/strolling (31%), and using the playground (25%). Note: values do not total 100% as respondents could select multiple options. For active sports activities 32% Sitting and relaxing on the grass 15% Playground space for my kids 25% Hanging out with my friends 8% Practicing meditation, yoga, Tai Chi 2% Walking or strolling 31% Jogging Water/Spraypark 1% 5% Dog Walking Enjoying Nature Other 3% 6% 15% - 18 - s and Open Space
SUNSET NURSERY SUNSET PARK JIM HENDERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GEORGE PARK PARKS AND OPEN SPACE What is your favourite public park/space to visit in Marpole? What attracts you to this space? Are there any elements that make this space particularly INVITING, SAFE, and INTERESTING? The favourite parks in Marpole are Fraser River (75 votes), Oak (44 votes), and Winona (20 votes). E 52ND AVE Angus Drive W 57th Ave Adera Street Granville Street Hudson Street Oak Street Heather Street Cambie Street LANGARA GOLF COURSE Langara Golf Course Ontario Street E 53RD AVE E 54TH AVE E 55TH AVE E 56TH AVE E 57TH AVE Fraser River : 1. Quiet and safe 2. Spacious, natural (e.g. views and the beach) 3. Dog park 4. Used by many different people (e.g. seniors, youth, and children) 5. Amenities (e.g. trails, picnic tables, benches), 6. Interesting river activity (e.g. boat traffic) W 59th Ave Riverview Fraser River Shannon William Mackie William Mackie : 1. Natural (e.g. trees and birds), quiet, and safe from traffic 2. Variety of play spaces 3. Amenities (e.g. picnic table and benches) Drive David Lloyd George School: 1. Basket ball courts and playground 2. Canopy of large trees 3. Community meeting place Marpole Fraser River Trail David Lloyd Elementary School Marpole : 1. Location - near school and shopping area 2. Playground, and benches 3. Community meeting place Ebisu Oak W 70th Ave Eburne Ebisu : 1. Quiet and peaceful 2. Benches, garden, picnic tables 3. Playground Oak : 1. Great playgrounds for young and older kids 2. Safe and spacious 3. Amenities (e.g. washrooms, trail around perimeter) SW Marine Drive Shaughnessy Site Ash Ash : 1. Location 2. Playground Winona Winona : 1. Quiet 2. Views 3. Large park with fields, play ground, and washrooms Langara Trails: 1. Trails 2. Green buffer between traffic and trails 3. Green and natural E 58TH AVE Marpole Community Plan Boundary SkyTrain Station Favorite s: ~ 75 votes ~ 45 votes ~ 25 votes ~ 15 votes ~ 10 votes Summary of comments Total Responses: 219-19 - s and Open Space
WILLIAM MACKIE PARK SUNSET PARK JIM EL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Are there any parks you avoid? Please tell us which park and why you avoid using it. s people avoid in Marpole are Fraser River (10 votes), Fraser River Trail (8 votes), and Ash (4 votes). Angus Drive W 57th Ave Adera Street Granville Street Hudson Street Oak Street Heather Street Cambie Street LANGARA GOLF COURSE Langara Golf Course Ontario Street RINE DRIVE OLF COURSE Fraser River : 1. Dog poop 2. No washrooms 3. Feels unsafe (e.g. non-family friendly activities, isolated, poor lighting) 4. Poor access (i.e. industrial area and cars are a barrier 5. No covered area W 59th Ave Riverview Fraser River Shannon William Mackie William Mackie : 1. Doesn t feel safe (i.e. isolated and needs better lighting) 2. Not maintained (i.e. overflowing garbage cans) Drive Marpole : 1. Safety concerns (i.e. no barriers between children and cars) 2. Needs more benches 3. Not maintained 4. Sand in playground is dirty (i.e. replace with rubber) Marpole Fraser River Trail Ebisu SW Marine Drive Oak W 70th Ave Eburne Fraser River Trail: 1. Dead-end trail is a huge safety issue 2. Too short of a walk 3. Isolated - no other activities in the area Oak : 1. Next to busy street (i.e. noise and air pollution) 2. Activities are all sports oriented, and thus not welcoming/ interesting to all users Shaughnessy Site Ash Ash : 1. Not maintained (e.g. playground in poor condition) 2. Too many dogs 3. Not safe at night Shaughnessy : 1. Very isolated 2. Doesn t feel safe 3. Not maintained Winona Winona : 1. Activities are all sports oriented and thus not welcoming to all 2. Dominated by sports groups Marpole Community Plan Boundary SkyTrain Station s You Avoid: ~10 votes ~ 5 votes Summary of comments Total Responses: 74-20 - s and Open Space
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE What are three things the City could do to improve Marpole s parks? Generally, the three most important actions the City could do to improve Marpole s parks are: 1) plant more trees; 2) add picnic tables; 3) improve/add new playground equipment. There were 261 responses to this question. MARPOLE PARK Plant more trees Build community garden Have a picnic area Better playground Enforce off-leash dog bylaw Better maintenance Resurface tennis courts FRASER RIVER Improve trails (pave and/or extend the network) Picnic area with BBQ pits Plant more trees Keep washrooms open all year Enforce off-leash dog by-law Concession stand in the summer FRASER RIVER TRAIL EBISU PARK Plant more trees More washrooms EBURNE PARK Extend trail Better access/signage ASH PARK New playground equipment Picnic area - 21 - OAK PARK More trees Picnic tables Upgrade tennis courts Better use of open space Improve soccer fields Swimming pool Community gardens Improve waterpark Plant more flowers New playground equipment Covered area Remove parking lot Improve walking paths (e.g. mark distance, better gravel WILLIAM MACKIE PARK Upgrade/more playground equipment Finish sidewalk WINONA PARK Build toddler playground Build community garden More trees Picnic tables Basketball court Tennis *Each dot represents a single vote s and Open Space
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE s Beyond the Marpole Questionnaire, we also got feedback on parks and open space during our walking tours, summer events, asset mapping activities, and focus group dialogue sessions. Here s a summary of what we heard at these events. More parks Better signage and access to Shaughnessy and Fraser River. More trees to buffer traffic (e.g. Oak and Eburne ) Safety concerns in isolated parks better lighting (e.g. Shaughnessy, Fraser River ) Additional and/or upgraded facilities in the parks (i.e., washrooms, play equipment, outdoor exercise equipment, etc.) A new dog park in Marpole Open Space More effective use of informal green spaces, like schools More plazas Specific locations for more trees (e.g. W 70th Ave., W 71st Ave. and around Ebisu ) Riverfront walkway that includes activation/draw like community gathering place and/or a pier - 22 - s and Open Space
PUBLIC REALM, ACCESS AND LINKAGES PUBLIC REALM, ACCESS AND LINKAGES Marpole Image Community by: Bonnie Plan Leung - 23 - Public Realm, Access and Linkages
PUBLIC REALM, ACCESS AND LINKAGES What We Heard Beyond the Marpole Questionnaire, we also got feedback on parks and open space during our walking tours, summer events, asset mapping activities, and focus group dialogue sessions. Here s a summary of what we heard at these events: More benches More crosswalks, especially on major arterials Make Granville more lively with patios and murals - allow it to be funky Walking and cycling trail along Arbutus corridor More waterfront access, with improved N/S walking routes that access the river More curb bulges to slow traffic on residential streets Specific locations for improved sidewalks and additional crosswalks. What are three things that would make Granville Street a more enjoyable and engaging walking/strolling/shopping experience? In order to make Granville Street more enjoyable, respondents suggested the following: better variety of shops (126 votes), more trees and greenery (121 votes), wider sidewalks (70 votes), public art (47 votes), and patios (36 votes). In total there were 565 recommendations. - 24 - Public Realm, Access and Linkages
COMMUNITY FACILITIES COMMUNITY FACILITIES Image [detail] by Tracey MacLeod - 25 - Community Facilities
COMMUNITY FACILITIES How often do you use these facilities? Of the community facilities in Marpole, the most frequently used are the library (55% use it on a weekly or daily basis) and the Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre (43% use it on a weekly or daily basis). Library - Marpole Branch Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre Marpole-Oakridge Family Place Marpole Place 0 20 40 60 80 100 Never Rarely Once a week Few times a week Daily What facilities do you use most? The three most popular facilities in Marpole are the library (91 votes), Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre (61 votes) and Marpole Place (23 votes). In total, there were 189 responses to this question. Library Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre Marpole Place Marpole-Oakridge Family Place *Each dot represents a single vote - 26 - Community Facilities
COMMUNITY FACILITIES Are there any services and/or activities that aren t offered at these facilities that you wish were offered? In total there were 192 responses to this question MARPOLE-OAKRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTRE Swimming pool More classes Ice rink LIBRARY More selection of books More room for studying/ meeting More hours MARPOLE PLACE More room Start a singing group MARPOLE-OAKRIDGE FAMILY PLACE Too Small Cafe with reading material GENERAL Art centre (theatre, gallery, dance, courses) Affordable daycare (child and senior) Cafe *Each dot represents a single vote What We Heard Beyond the Marpole Questionnaire, we also got feedback on parks and open space during our walking tours, summer events, asset mapping activities, and focus group dialogue sessions. Here s a summary of what we heard at these events: All community facilities are well-loved, but aging and in need of replacement and/or expansion All community facilities, as well as private facilities (cultural centres, immigrant services) provide an important function in the community Would like to see a swimming pool in Marpole More selection of recreational classes at the community centre Larger library with better computer services Immigrant services are a very important resource for the community, particularly given the new immigrant population in Marpole - 27 - Community Facilities
FOOD FOOD Image by Lorin Gaertner - 28 - Food
FOOD What We Heard Beyond the Marpole Questionnaire, we also got feedback on parks and open space during our walking tours, summer events, asset mapping activities, and focus group dialogue sessions. Here s a summary of what we heard at these events: Farmer s Market possibly at new riverfront location More variety of grocery stores (e.g. organic, Chinese produce) Need for grocery store at Oak and 67th Ave. More community garden plots»» Oak and Winona s»» Along Arbutus Corridor tracks»» in rental apartment area Front lawns and boulevards More fruit trees in parks Composting program, especially in apartment area - 29 - Food