THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - The Town of Fort Smith recently hosted two public meetings to gather ideas on public spaces in the community, specifically Conibear Park and a proposed trail.

Mayor Janie Hobart: Town of Fort Smith looking for ideas for public spaces. - NNSL file photo

"We're trying to provide opportunities for people to talk about public spaces," said Mayor Janie Hobart.

The April 28 meeting on Conibear Park – the main site for the annual South Slave Friendship Festival – attracted about 10 residents.

"There were a number of great ideas thrown out there," Hobart said.

She said concern was expressed about the condition of the stage in the park.

"The stage was erected as a temporary structure," she noted. "It needs some work."

Residents also expressed concern about traffic congestion on streets when there are large events at the park, including the music festival and Canada Day celebrations. The park has no off-street parking.

There was a suggestion the festival be moved to an open area near Centennial Arena.

Other concerns were expressed about access to washrooms and electricity in the park.

Last year, the Royal Canadian Legion removed a cenotaph from the park and relocated it to the grounds of the Legion building.

Since then, some town residents have wanted another monument erected in Conibear Park to replace the cenotaph.

Hobart noted, since the cenotaph has been moved, the town doesn't necessarily have to replace it with anything, but would consider a good idea.

One suggestion at the April 28 meeting was to build a large trap, since the park is named after Frank Conibear, the inventor of the Conibear trap.

Hobart wants to see more suggestions for the park, noting residents can submit ideas via the town's website.

"At this point, we're at the idea stage," she said.

On May 5, a second public meeting was held on what's being called the multi-use trail, a proposed seven-kilometre route to connect Axe Handle Hill Park and Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park.

"This will create a cohesive trail through the community," Hobart said.

The public meeting attracted just over a half-dozen people.

Right now, the Town of Fort Smith is in the process of hiring a new municipal services director, and Hobart noted the competition closes this week.

Nothing will happen at Conibear Park or with the proposed trail until a new municipal services director is in place, she said.