HRM holds public meeting on Oval progress
Posted Apr 19, 2012 11:35:21 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Now that winter is over, Halifax Regional Municipality is looking for further feedback from residents on the Emera Skating Oval as it moves forward in its plan to make it a more permanent structure.
Residents are invited to attend a public meeting tonight to hear about the progress thus far and to see the conceptual designs for the structure.
“From there people will be engaged in discussion around different aspects of the Oval,” HRM spokesperson Michaelyn Thompson told News 957. “People will be given questions to consider about what they think makes the oval great, what design feature they’d like to see and considerations for moving forward.”
HRM will also discuss the results of over 2,400 online surveys, and feedback on Facebook and Twitter.
Respondents were asked a range of questions including what their idea Oval experience would be.
“I would take the grandchildren up and let them play, ride their bikes,” Bill Ryan told News 95.7 while walking along the Commons. “It’s a safe place to play. They could have little races out there, a party, a birthday party.”
Maurice, a Sydney resident vacationing in Halifax with his family, was timing his son as he did laps around the concrete course on rollerblades.
“We just drove by and pulled in. This is the first time we’ve seen it,” said Maurice. “It’s a wonderful experience.”
Roller skating and inline skating were the top survey answers for how the facility could be used year-round, followed by special events, road hockey and biking.
Respondents gave a mixed reaction to whether the building should be contemporary or traditional in its design, while, the free skate, helmet use and scheduling were the top answers for what worked well.
Speaking to people on the street News 95.7 heard concerns about drainage, crime, parking and people walking on the grass.
The city is encouraging anyone with comments or concerns to attend the meeting at the Atlantica Hotel, Commons Room tonight. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
