Parks, Trails, Sportfields and Playgrounds in our Community
March 23, 2015
The first day of Spring has arrived, and as the weather has been providing us Spring like conditions for a while, I feel it appropriate to deliver this message to the community at large in an effort to curb potential frustrations and provide an explanation as to the current condition of our Parks, Trails, Sportfields and Playgrounds.
The Leisure Services User Regulation and Fees Bylaw No. 2056 provides the framework and sets the parameters for the operation of our community Parks, Trails, Sportfields and Playgrounds. The Bylaw states that the normal operating season will be annually from May to October.
The purpose of the season being specified the way it is in the Bylaw has everything to do with the operating season of our winter facilities and availability of our operations staff. Our dedicated operations staff are currently scheduled to work in the Fernie Memorial Arena until the end of April at which time they will transition into summer operations. Their involvement in summer operations is augmented by additional temporary summer staff that start working for the City of Fernie at the start of May.
At the beginning of May our staff initiate playground checks, open public washrooms and other service amenities. They commence spring cleanups in and around public facilities and repair damage inflicted by the winter season. Sportfields and green spaces begin to be maintained regularly and trails are resurfaced.
In times of early Spring conditions our Department is faced with many challenges as the community is desirous to get out and enjoy the weather and our various community facilities. The Leisure Services Department is asking for the public’s patience as we initiate the summer operations and respect the operational capacity of our Department to fully open our Parks, Trails, Sportfields and Playgrounds. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable Summer in our public spaces and in order to provide this we need our full summer operations to be engaged.
Please avoid accessing public spaces until they are completely dried out, especially the Sportfields and dirt jump park. Please call our Department to report any damage or concerns immediately 250-423-2245. If you have any questions please contact me directly at 250-430-1766.
Sincerely,
Cam Mertz Director of Leisure Services
