By Cheryl Jahn

Masich Hours Revised

Jul 30, 2018 | 8:33 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A new plan for public access to the Masich Place Stadium track has been approved by Prince George City Council.  The new hours are generally from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, except on days when a user group has rented the facility. 

Initially, in its report to Council, city staff recommended public access be limited to 6:00 am to 1:00 pm.  The public outcry was immediate. The draft hours were presented to Council Monday night, with Mayor Lyn Hall and each Councillor saying they were inundated with emails and phone calls about the proposed hours.

In the report, staff cited several examples of vandalism such as graffiti, needles, and damage to the water fountain and suggested restricting hours would curb the issue.  It was also noted that it was important to protect improvements to the facility, such as the permanent throwing and jumping facilities and new synthetic turf.  The City expects a 60% increase in rentals from users groups, equaling 1,280 hours per year.

“We’ve heard loud and clear,”  stated Mayor Lyn Hall, who said he was “much more comfortable” with the new hours. “I think we’ve hit the mark here.”

Other Councillors spoke to the public outcry when the hours were released.  “We can’t all use it at the same time,” said Councillor Terri McConnachie, referring to the days when public access is split. “This happens at all our facilities.:

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The City also suggested there will be a monetary request coming to Council in the upcoming budget discussions to pay for the additional staffing, but Councillor Brian Skakun questioned that.  He suggested that with an anticipated 60 percent increase in user groups paying to use the facility, additional revenues would help to offset additional staffing costs.