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Background and Vision
Whitehead Park is 1.21 ha (2.99 acres) and falls within the Rural Saanich Local Area Plan. It is zoned P-4 and classified as a Community Park. Whitehead Park offers unstructured recreation, and is intended for spontaneous use by all age groups via open space, play environments, picnic and seating areas.
The park’s original name was Lakeside Park, but in 1997, Saanich Council approved renaming it to Whitehead Park, as requested by Mr. George Lohr and Mr J. Whitehead (son of the late Albert and Nellie Whitehead). This was in recognition of the Whiteheads who were an early pioneer family in the Prospect Lake area, and who sold the land to Saanich in 1960 on the condition that it be established as a park. Many of the trees on the site were planted by Mr. Whitehead.
In earlier times the park was a popular beach and swimming destination. Over the years, changes to the shoreline and water quality have affected both the park and Tod Creek. Because Prospect Lake is shallow and has low summer flows, the resulting high water temperatures exacerbate water quality problems. Also, Whitehead Park includes the outflow for the lake at Tod Creek, further exacerbating poor water quality, making the park a questionable swimming destination. The park is being reviewed in light of current conditions and community needs, so that it can once again become a well-used, vibrant park.
Project Objectives
- To incorporate community feedback received in the fall of 2004
- To review the function, use and appearance of the park
- To update and improve the park given its current role in the community
- To restore the ecological integrity of the riparian area within the park
- To accommodate appropriate access and use of the lake
Budget/Resources
The proposed improvements to the park are estimated to cost approximately $200,000.
- Parks capital – future years
- Volunteers
- Grants and donations
Schedule
2009
- Public Open House
- Take the Concept Plan to the appropriate Saanich committees for endorsement
- Take the Concept Plan to Council for approval
Beyond 2009
- Complete budget estimates for suggested work for a future Capital Budget submission
- Construct Phases as resources permit
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