The county is seeking input from residents on how the municipality could spend funds allocated for parks and green spaces in the fiscal year 2024 budget.
Recent state law requires that municipalities must spend 60 percent of parkland funds within one year of acquisition. A reserve fund is provided by developers who provide cash rather than dedicating parkland to a project. Municipalities are required to spend the funds in the same geographic area in which the development occurred.
The county began collecting replacement parkland funds in 1999 and reported collecting $953,693 last fall. The county has spent the money on park improvements in Picton, Sophiasburg, Wellington and Athol. In Picton, for example, $99,320 was spent from 2003 to 2022 on grounds, a sprinkler system for the soccer field, lighting for the baseball field and a harbor walkway. In Sophiasburg, $16,775 was spent on Northport Park in 2011, and in Wellington, $108,020 was used for debt service. In South Marysburg, $12,000 was spent on Mount Tabor, and in Athol, $6,837 was spent on land acquisition for the Glendon Green Boat Launch Walkway.
City officials have allocated funding for 10 park improvement projects across Prince Edward County and are asking the public for ideas on the types of amenities and park features that city officials should consider when spending the reserve funds.
Consecon: Develop green space in Consecon Park. The budget for this project is $40,000.
Westfall Park: Develop green space at Westfall Park, Carrying Place. The budget for this project is $80,000.
Mariners Museum or Milford Park: Develop green space at Mariners Park Museum or Milford Park. The budget for this project is $40,000.
Wilkinson Memorial Park or Prinnyers Cove Boat Launch: Develop green space at Wilkinson Memorial Park (Waupoose) or Prinnyers Cove Boat Launch Park (Cressy). Wilkinson Memorial Park currently has tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a basketball hoop. There is also a playground and band shelter. There is also an old baseball field and a large green space with new trees that were planted a year ago. There is also a dining area and shaded picnic areas on the grounds. The budget for this project is $80,000.
Roblin Lake Park improvements: A paddle craft dock is proposed. Ameliasburg park could also see improvements. The project is budgeted at $90,000.
Big Island Boat Launch: A small picnic area could include a simple shade structure covering a few picnic tables. A paddle craft dock could also be installed at the existing dock. The budget for this project is $45,000.
Picton Laneways and Greenspaces: Enhance up to two publicly owned pedestrianised laneways and provide infrastructure to urban greenspaces that currently lack amenities. The laneways affected are: Picton Main Street between 247 and 251 (Royal Hotel and Harvey Cares Real Estate);
Lipson Walkway, between 281 and 289 Main Street, Picton (Ye11ow Studio and Books & Company) Budget: $50,000.
Athol South Marysburg Public School Community Access: The Athol South Marysburg (ASM) Public Schools School Committee is raising funds to revitalize the school grounds. The municipality is a welcome partner in this project, using park funds to open the school grounds to the wider community during school holidays and to create a welcoming environment. The budget for this project is $14,000.
Jack Taylor Park: Develop green space at Jack Taylor Park in Hillier. The project has a budget of $99,000.
Bloomfield Mill Pond Main Street Connection: Improve access to the park and pond from Mill Street and the cemetery (via Main Street) by developing walkways, seating and educational signage. This project is budgeted at $80,000.
Click on the link below the project you would like to enter.
Residents consider improvements to Bloomfield Mill Pond Park
