A New Look for Belle Park

Over the last few months community and staff have been hard at work developing a new concept for the future of Belle Park. Last year City Council made the decision to close the existing golf course and look at how the space could be transformed into a mix of sporting facilities, green space and a trail system for walking and cycling. The graphic above shows one potential layout for Belle Park, with a pitch and putt, a new sports field clustered around the clubhouse, the existing driving range, and the rest of the green space set aside for natural parkland.

The biggest change for Belle Park is this shift to a naturalized park. When the golf course was in operation, only about 25% of the park was left in a naturalized state. Under the new plan, the majority of the park (approximately 65%) would be naturalized. I believe this is the best change for this park. It makes this unique urban green space accessible to everyone, and with an easy link to the new K&P trail it’s just a short walk or bike ride from the downtown.

In the coming weeks staff will review feedback from the public and make final changes before the plan moves to City Council for approval. With the vision for renewal and growth in the neighbourhoods around Belle Park, I’m sure this green space will be enjoyed by countless residents and visitors in the years to come.