Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Friday, June 8, 2007

INUVIK - The designs were unveiled for the proposed Golden Anniversary park, but the mayor says they will need to be changed before council can make a decision on them.

The park designs were on display this past weekend at an open house hosted by the golf association.

Resort planner Don Murray was in Inuvik to display the concept for the site.

"I came to propose a couple of development options based on the mapping and analysis work we have done," he said.

The current plans include a nine-hole golf course and a ski hill to be developed on Old Baldie hill.

"We are also looking at many different snow play related elements as well, like a tubing hill and snow hill," said Murray.

The plans that were shown were designed on May 1, said Murray.

Mayor Derek Lindsay saw the plans and wants an updated design that fits the recent changes to the site.

"The designs were made from old photos of the site," said Lindsay.

"There is a little lake beside the driving range and the plans need to be changed."

Lindsay said he would like to see a small island placed in the lake, resembling a hole similar to one in a PGA tournament.

"But we don't have too many PGA players in the North," said Lindsay with a laugh.

Lindsay said he sees the golf course as something that he wants to see happen.

"The golf course itself is a definite idea, I'd like to see the golf course," said Lindsay.

"As far as the 50th anniversary park idea, that is something that the previous mayor brought to council a year ago and wanted in the community capacity building fund."

Lindsay said the idea was turned down because there was no mention of operating costs and staffing needs. Lindsay added that the ownership of the park is also up in the air.

"Who is going to own the park? Will the golf association take it over? Do they want it? Are they going to run with it?" asked Lindsay.

The mayor said he is concerned the park may fall under ownership of the town.

"It may become an asset of the town and we have to supply and pay for it with tax dollars," he said.

Lindsay said the little issues need to be worked out as well.

"The tow rope for hauling kids up the hill will need electricity as well, which is a utility cost," said Lindsay.

Another of his concerns comes from the liability issue.

"Who is responsible if someone gets hurt?" asked Lindsay.

"Ownership and liability were the two issues that stuck out like a sore thumb."

Lindsay added that council has not made a decision on the park yet.

"We're waiting for an updated plan and more information," said Lindsay.

"It's a nice looking park, it's nice to see, but who will pay for it? If the tax payers like it, they will get it, but just remember that it will show up on their tax bill."

Murray is now working on a second set of plans that will relate to the current site and will have designs for council to see in the near future.