By Cheryl Jahn

The proposed Mega Park is no longer on the table

Jul 27, 2023 | 3:32 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It has been a dream since 2022 when renderings of the proposed Community Foundation-Rotary Mega Park were first revealed publicly.

“You know, we’re so grateful for all of the support that we’ve received from the community, our partners, to explore this proposed project,” says Mindy Stroet with the Community Foundation.

But Council repeatedly brought up concerns about the initial costs of the park, the annual maintenance and, the life cycle costs. Three options were presented at a June 12th meeting and, amidst much discussion, Council settled on the option of having Administration provide more information.

But now the Community Foundation and the Rotary Club have decided against moving the project any further.

“It was a difficult decision, obviously, because we’d spent a couple of years now working on it and trying to get support for it, both within the community and within City Hall,” says Gary Wilson, President of Downtown Rotary. “And we had some good feedback as a result of meeting with Administration and Council. And it was clear to us that we it wasn’t going to go ahead at this time.”

Hockey

Spruce Kings defenseman commits to TSU

4h ago

2025 Real Estate

2025 looking to be good year for local real estate

15h ago

Cougars

Cougars rookie defenseman and goalie shine in weekend win

16h ago

During that June 12th meeting, there was real division over moving forward, something Councillor Kyle Sampson fought in favour of.

“First I want to say I absolutely wholeheartedly respect the decision of the community foundation and the downtown Rotary Club. They have people that they’re accountable to, patrons of their organizations and funders and donors and sponsors of this project. And so absolutely respect their decision. It’s their choice,” says Councillor Kyle Sampson, who voted in favour of keeping the project on the table until a few more questions could be answered. “But I’m incredibly disappointed in the end result. I mean, this was going to provide an amazing asset in our community, something that we don’t have this hub of recreation and entertainment and attraction for young people, people of all ages, frankly.”

The fundraising campaign was launched in February 2022 with a Mega 50-50 draw and the Community Foundation explains what will come of the dollars raised to support the park.

“So we are in communication with all of the partners of the project and that is something that will be decided in the coming weeks between our partners, the Rotary Club of Prince George downtown and the Community Foundation,” says Stroet. “And our intention is to honour the spirit of those donations. And we’ll be releasing a statement to the community once a decision is made on anything.”