New design for downtown park
https://www.thespec.com/news-story/8...downtown-park/
They all want a park.
But they have different ideas of what it should look like and differing views on whether a park and a dance club can coexist.
These are the details hashed out Tuesday night as 40 community members attended the unveiling of renderings and details of the long-awaited green space known as the John Rebecca Park, in the Beasley neighbourhood. Feedback from the meeting may be incorporated into the final plans.
The $2.5-million park will replace a parking lot, with construction beginning next year.
Ward 2 Coun. Jason Farr says the park — bounded by John, Rebecca, Catharine and King William streets — will appear on the map alongside the new Hamilton Police Service forensic building being built adjacent to the park and that both — via Beasley Park — are within easy walking distance to "restaurant row" on King William Street, creating "a greenway to the heart of the city."
The park plan includes groves of large shade trees, an expansive lawn, a vine-covered pergola, a spray pad and ice rink and a welcoming gateway.
Those at the meeting, held at the Beasley Community Centre, also asked for water fountains, street trees, a band shell and safe street crossings.
The current design includes the retention of a building that didn't appear in earlier drawings. That's Club Seventy-Seven, the dance club connected to two homicides.
It has been discovered the club may have heritage value. However, city representatives at the meeting said their intention is to acquire the Club Seventy-Seven property, which is zoned for parkland. No city official would confirm if it will expropriate the club.
Some raised concerns that club patrons will wind up in the park after closing time, participating in "undesirable activities."
Carol Priamo, who lives in the condos across the road from Club Seventy-Seven, is skeptical. She says the city has torn down other buildings with more significant heritage value than the club.
She and her husband bought their condo, believing the developer's promise that within a year, Club Seventy-Seven would be converted into a park. That was in 2010. She says the noise from the club is so loud they sold their condo at the front of the building to move into one at the back.
Chris Ritsma wants the park and the club.
"I like parks and I also like to dance and drink," says the 23-year-old who lives in Burlington, but hopes to move to Hamilton.
"There's more culture and heritage and uniqueness in Hamilton," says Ritsma.
A vibrant nightlife is important to him, but he is also looking ahead to having a family and wants room for his future children to run and play.
"I think parks are truly important to downtown centres."
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