Winskill Park should not be redeveloped for other purposes, according to naturalist Anne Murray, who believes its original intent must be maintained.
In a letter to Delta's parks, recreation and culture commission, Murray, a member of the Delta Naturalists Society, said the Tsawwassen site's ecological habitat should be maintained by keeping it as a park in perpetuity.
Delta is undertaking a review of the site through the Winskill Park Master
Plan, a plan that could involve the adjacent KinVillage, which is also eyeing major changes.
However, Murray did some research, finding that back in 1968 potato farmer Chris Winskill sold the site to Delta and that the pledge had been made to keep it as a park. She's not sure if any formal covenant was signed, noting some development has already taken place, including a medical centre in the 1970s, but the original intent should honoured because of the park's benefits.
"Natural areas have important recreational value, providing spaces that benefit mental and physical health. Parks should not be considered only as formal recreational spaces," she said.
Murray also noted the park's mature trees provide habitat for migratory birds, something that should be considered since Delta is working on a Birds Biodiversity Strategy.
Tom Bearrs, president of the Delta Naturalists Society, wrote in support, saying the society endorses Murray's position that Winskill Park be maintained as parkland. In September 1968, the Optimist reported that Chris Winskill sold the site to Delta for $230,000. At the time, parks and recreation commission chairman Patrick Shields said "no consideration would be given to developing the land for any other uses than for park purposes."
He also said the 20-acre site was one of the last available for parkland.
"All we want to do is have a chunk of municipally-owned land in South
Delta to use for park," he said.
Shields also talked about the site being large enough to accommodate such future uses as curling and ice skating facilities, playing fields, picnic and garden areas, and possibly a community centre and swimming pool. He also described the site as having "unlimited potential" for whatever is wanted.
Winskill, who grew potatoes for over 40 years at the property north of 9th Avenue, said he was pleased the site would be transformed into a park and that, "I'd be very disappointed if it wasn't." There was no mention, though, that he sold the site on the condition it would be a park only, as Shields at the time was the only one to proclaim it would be frozen from other uses.
According to the Corporation of Delta, the master plan, which is undergoing a consultation process, will review the existing services offered to gain an understanding of how the park would best continue to serve the community in the future. "Once completed, the Winskill Park Master Plan will be a guiding document for the future of the site, including priority setting for future projects. This document should include a conceptual design of the site and a sequential implementation plan," a municipal document states.
The community's direct involvement in the master plan process, which includes more open houses commencing in early May, will continue through mid-June.
