The City of Delta wants to embark on a new management plan for Watershed Park.
A staff report recently discussed at the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission notes that, if approved, Delta would initiate the management planning process in early 2022 with completion scheduled for later next year.
It’s been 20 years since the city last updated its management plan for the popular park.
With increased use of the park in 2020 came increased interest in access to services in the form of parking, washrooms, trail signage, areas for rest and physically-distanced congregation for small groups as well as trail use, the report notes.
One of the long-standing community groups, which utilizes the park is the SORCE Bike Club, formerly the Shed Bike Club (Club).
The bike club has been working with Delta through a memorandum of agreement since 2004, and undertakes an important role as stewards of the mountain biking activities in the park.
The report notes the club approached Delta last year with a number of mountain biking trail proposals, along with a formal work plan for both the existing and proposed trails.
“While the proposal by the club has merit and could eventually give rise to a more formal agreement between Delta and the club, undertaking an inclusive management plan for the park would enable all current activities and features of the park to be considered to ensure the harmonious use of the park by all members of the community moving forward,” the report explains.
The report also notes, “Delta has identified the park where wildfire management should be further addressed through the reduction of fuel. In addition, staff have identified some concerns to the health of the urban forest in the park, which require some short and long-range planning to ensure that a vibrant, healthy urban forest is in place for years to come.”
Since many people use the trails, but are not represented by any formal group, it is also incumbent upon Delta to undertake a planning exercise, which includes community consultation and research, the report adds.
Council will discuss staff recommendations on Monday.
