Resident suggests paved paths behind community centre

Old Town resident Pamela Wilson is hoping the town will consider building an accessible park on the property behind the NOTL Community Centre. 

She says she has support from many residents in the area for a tree-lined  open space with a paved path, and “comfortable benches scattered throughout.”

Speaking to councillors at the committee of the whole meeting, she compared her vision to accessible paths like the one at the Virgil sports park, to allow those in wheelchairs, and people with walkers and canes, to use them safely.  

“A strong body of literature shows that those who spend as little as 20 to 30 minutes a day outdoors leads to better health out-comes such as blood pressure, mental health and boosted immune response,” said Wilson.

“Loneliness is also a concern in our neighbourhood,” she added, with COVID lockdowns, and when asked to stay close to home, parks have to be nearby.  

The town’s wellness committee “proposes that the town establish physical activity and physical literacy as priorities for the health of all NOTL residents.” 

Her vision includes asking residents to provide a tree, a plant, a bench or a bush, and she said she has heard from people who have said they would do that.

 She sometimes drives to the Virgil park, which is more accessible for walking, and she loves that trees line the park, and “it seems to make a lot of sense and good land use” to have a similar, accessible park in the Old Town, she said.

In answer to a question from Coun. Wendy Cheropita, Wilson says she has a group of supporters whom she believes will help organize and maintain the park.

There may already be some plans for the back area behind the community centre, Lord Mayor Betty Disero said, with the NOTL Rotary Club looking at infrastructure for activities in that area. 

There also needs to be a discussion with town staff with respect to benches and types of trees that would be suitable for that area, which is bordered by vineyards, she said.

Councillors agreed to refer Wilson’s request to staff for a response by February or March.