If you want to have a say in the future of Beacon Hill Park, it鈥檚 time to step up and be heard. The City of Victoria closed access to some roads in the park over the past year as an experiment, and has been soliciting public reaction to the changes. With the experiment slated to end in August, the city is setting up a public information booth on July 10 near the sundial in the ornamental garden and is handing out surveys at the park maintenance yard and city hall.
Victorians have been having fun in Beacon Hill Park since before Victoria was a city, so what happens there matters to many people.
The roads were closed to prevent drivers taking a shortcut through the park to get from James Bay to Cook Street Village, but still allow access to the parking lots and popular spots like the petting zoo.
Kate Friars, the director of parks and recreation, says the response so far has varied widely. Many like the quieter atmosphere for strolling, but others lament that they can鈥檛 drive elderly relatives through the park.
Parks staff originally wanted to make the changes permanent, but council decided to ask the public.
If you care about the park, let the city know where you stand.
