Latest news with #ParkBoard
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
City greenlights more funds for Vancouver Aquatic Centre renovation
Vancouver city council has unanimously approved the park board's request for additional funding to renovate the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. As CBC's Michelle Gomez reports, some swimmers are not happy about the changes.
CBC
21 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Council approves extra $22.5M to move forward with Vancouver Aquatic Centre reno, 25-metre pool
Vancouver city councillors have voted to approve the park board's request for an additional $22.5 million in funding to renovate the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, bringing the price tag for the controversial project to $175 million. The decision came Wednesday night after several speakers, including multiple children, shared their opposition to replacing the existing 50-metre, Olympic-sized pool with a new 25-metre one, citing impacts to competitive swim training. After considering the potential impacts of a delay and the building's seismic safety, councillors voted 10-2 in favour of approving the funding. Coun. Peter Meiszner was absent, and Coun. Peter Fry abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest. "We're kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place right now," said Coun. Rebecca Bligh after the vote. The aging Vancouver Aquatic Centre made headlines in March 2022 after a large piece of the building's facade fell off. The centre has served as a premier sporting venue in Vancouver's densely populated West End since it opened in 1974, drawing swimmers, synchronized swimming teams, water polo players and divers for training and competitions. Recently, however, the pool has been described as being at "the end of its functional lifespan." A majority of voters in the 2022 municipal election supported the aquatic centre's renewal, but the first mention of a smaller 25-metre pool didn't come until February of this year — revealed in the design proposal brought forward by city staff — sparking outcry from the swimming community. Park board staff said it wasn't feasible to deliver a 50-metre pool within the existing building footprint while also meeting industry standards for maintenance and accessibility. The Vancouver Park Board approved the design the following month, subject to city council agreeing to an additional $22.5 million for the project — a request swimming advocates asked city council to reject, earlier this week. During the Wednesday meeting, one speaker said the park board has "lost the trust and confidence of the people of Vancouver and especially the swimming community." "No one voted for a lazy river and a 1,300-square-foot hot tub," said resident Scott Lear. "Vancouver just needs a 50-metre pool, it doesn't need a fancy designed building. It needs something functional first, and form second," he said. WATCH | Dozens speak out against aquatic centre proposal: Dozens show up to Vancouver Park Board meeting on controversial aquatic centre 4 months ago Duration 1:44 Dozens of people lined up to speak at Monday night's Vancouver Park Board meeting over a controversial new aquatic centre. The proposed redesign would replace a 50-metre pool with one half that size. As Meera Bains reports, swim clubs and other users are upset with the plan and loss of training space. One 10-year-old, Georgia Neill, who trains with the Canadian Dolphin Swim Club at the aquatic centre, appealed to councillors to "please think of other ways to keep our 50-metre pool, not for me or my teammates, but for all the people who signed the petition to say this is not what we want in Vancouver." Another young swimmer, Geoffrey Mu, said relocating the club and training to the Hillcrest Aquatic Centre, as park board staff have recommended, would make it difficult to attend practice, or force other members to consider joining another swim club. "If you support VAC's plan to change our 50-metre pool, you'll be taking away the future of many young swimmers including me," said the 12-year-old. WATCH | 50-metre pool not feasible, staff report says: City staff say 50-metre pool at Vancouver Aquatic Centre impossible without more money 3 months ago Duration 10:21 In the latest twist to the saga of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre renovation, park board staff released a final report that went back to the 25-metre pool that was initially proposed. While park board commissioners had directed staff to try to include a 50-metre pool in the renovation, Green commissioner Tom Digby says that it would be impossible without at least $50 million in funds that the city has not provided. Addressing the speakers after the vote, Bligh said she's not in favour of doing away with a 50-metre pool, but that she understands the need to upgrade the aquatic centre. She thanked speakers for their advocacy and acknowledged their concerns. "This is an impossible decision for me on the topic.... We have to get to a better solution here," Bligh said. "I'm not sure we're going to find it today, but I'm absolutely in your corner for what you shared and what you brought to the conversation today." The Vancouver Aquatic Centre is scheduled to close for the renovations in 2026 and reopen sometime in 2029.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Cult-favourite Vancouver chicken shop comes to Kitilsano's Batch for the summer
Kitsilano's pool concession Batch opened to the public as a seasonal pop-up in 2024. (Courtesy: City of Vancouver) Just one year into its existence and one of Vancouver's most popular summertime patios, Kitsilano's Batch, is already scheduled for an upgrade that will see an expansion of both its menu offerings and its capacity. To celebrate its first anniversary, the bar at the Kitsilano Pool concession is collaborating with cult-favourite chicken joint DownLow Chicken and growing to include 60 more seats. The expanded menu features various classics from the Commercial Drive chicken shop, including the Nashville-fried OG Sando and DL Tenders, alongside new editions specially curated for the location, including the Burrito on the DL, the SWagyu Dog, and the Kits All-Beef Burger. Batch opened as a seasonal pop-up bar in 2024 in partnership with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, pairing live music with a drinks line-up comprising craft beers, wine and cider. 'We're excited to be partnering with the Park Board and the amazing Batch team, and to be joining them at such an iconic Vancouver location this summer: the famous Kitsilano Pool Concession,' said Doug Stephen, co-founder of DL Chicken. 'Kitsilano has always been a neighbourhood full of energy and great food culture. We can't wait to be part of that and bring the heat to the community with our fried chicken creations.' The concession, running from Tuesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and across the weekend from 12 p.m. to 10 pm, will be ushered in just ahead of the grand opening of Kits Pool — scheduled for Saturday, June 21. Reservations open June 19 at noon. 'This partnership has been an incredible way to connect with the Kits community,' said John Negrin, owner of Batch. 'We've always believed that public spaces can — and should — be lively, welcoming places that bring people together. We're thrilled to partner with DownLow Chicken and continue our collaboration with the Vancouver Park Board as we grow into this epic location.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tinley Park, Park District pair up after spat on Fourth of July fireworks
After a two-year separation that saw Tinley Park hold its own July 4 fireworks shows, the village and Park District are collaborating this year on an Independence Day event. It will be held at the Park District's McCarthy Park, which had long been the site of the Park District's Fourth of July event and fireworks show until 2023. The last two years, Tinley Park had its own show at the 80th Avenue Metra commuter train station. There has been friction between the village and Park District over control of the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center, which the Park District bought from the state last year for $1 and has plans to redevelop for recreational uses. The village had also sought to acquire the 280-acre property, northwest of Harlem Avenue and 183rd Street, with plans to develop it for property and sale tax generating entertainment uses. The Village Board at a recent meeting approved a contract worth $50,000 for the upcoming fireworks show. The joint Independence Day event will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. on July 4 at McCarthy Park,16801 S. 80th Ave. The village said music by Five Guys Named Moe will start the day at 4 p.m. and food and beverages will be for sale from local vendors. Bingo, inflatables for kids, a magic show, gun salute and flag-raising ceremony as well as a 7 p.m. concert by Spoken Four, are part of the day's activities. The fireworks show set to patriotic music is set for 9:30 p.m. 'We're excited to be collaborating with the Park District to bring Tinley Park's iconic fireworks show back to McCarthy Park,' Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz said in a news release. 'We are thrilled to restore our annual fireworks show at McCarthy Park this July 4th,' Park Board President Lisa O'Donovan said in the release. 'This celebration has been a highlight of the summer in Tinley Park for over 40 years.' Tinley Park police Chief Tom Tilton said his officers are preparing for the event. 'We're utilizing new technologies and new techniques to provide a safe Fourth of July experience for everyone,' Tilton said in the news release. 'Residents can rest easy knowing we're taking every precaution.' In early 2023, Tinley Park opted to hold its own fireworks show, prompting the Park District to cancel the Independence Day event it had held at McCarthy Park. The village again, last year, held its own fireworks show at the 80th Avenue Metra station in conjunction with Ribfest. In 2023, Park Board members said the district was being retaliated against for its interest in the former mental health center. The Illinois General Assembly had cleared, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed, legislation that year clearing the path for the Park District to acquire the site. The state also earmarked $15 million for the Park District to use to clean up environmental problems and demolish buildings on the property. The Park District said in early 2023 it was denied a permit to hold its annual Running O' the Green 8k race March 5 of that year, the same day as the village's Irish Parade. The district said it had for many years held the race on the same day as the village parade but the race that year was rescheduled. The Park District also said it had to find other sources of fuel for district vehicles and de-icing salt for Park District properties after Tinley Park cut off long-standing supply agreements for both products. Park Board members, in a letter early in 2023 to village officials, said 'it is simply not feasible to work with you on any event when the village is engaged in this kind of behavior.' The district, in its letter, said the obstacles that had been thrown up were 'retaliation and punishment' for the district.
Chicago Tribune
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Tinley Park, Park District pair up after spat on Fourth of July fireworks
After a two-year separation that saw Tinley Park hold its own July 4 fireworks shows, the village and Park District are collaborating this year on an Independence Day event. It will be held at the Park District's McCarthy Park, which had long been the site of the Park District's Fourth of July event and fireworks show until 2023. The last two years, Tinley Park had its own show at the 80th Avenue Metra commuter train station. There has been friction between the village and Park District over control of the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center, which the Park District bought from the state last year for $1 and has plans to redevelop for recreational uses. The village had also sought to acquire the 280-acre property, northwest of Harlem Avenue and 183rd Street, with plans to develop it for property and sale tax generating entertainment uses. The Village Board at a recent meeting approved a contract worth $50,000 for the upcoming fireworks show. The joint Independence Day event will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. on July 4 at McCarthy Park,16801 S. 80th Ave. The village said music by Five Guys Named Moe will start the day at 4 p.m. and food and beverages will be for sale from local vendors. Bingo, inflatables for kids, a magic show, gun salute and flag-raising ceremony as well as a 7 p.m. concert by Spoken Four, are part of the day's activities. The fireworks show set to patriotic music is set for 9:30 p.m. 'We're excited to be collaborating with the Park District to bring Tinley Park's iconic fireworks show back to McCarthy Park,' Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz said in a news release. 'We are thrilled to restore our annual fireworks show at McCarthy Park this July 4th,' Park Board President Lisa O'Donovan said in the release. 'This celebration has been a highlight of the summer in Tinley Park for over 40 years.' Tinley Park police Chief Tom Tilton said his officers are preparing for the event. 'We're utilizing new technologies and new techniques to provide a safe Fourth of July experience for everyone,' Tilton said in the news release. 'Residents can rest easy knowing we're taking every precaution.' In early 2023, Tinley Park opted to hold its own fireworks show, prompting the Park District to cancel the Independence Day event it had held at McCarthy Park. The village again, last year, held its own fireworks show at the 80th Avenue Metra station in conjunction with Ribfest. In 2023, Park Board members said the district was being retaliated against for its interest in the former mental health center. The Illinois General Assembly had cleared, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed, legislation that year clearing the path for the Park District to acquire the site. The state also earmarked $15 million for the Park District to use to clean up environmental problems and demolish buildings on the property. The Park District said in early 2023 it was denied a permit to hold its annual Running O' the Green 8k race March 5 of that year, the same day as the village's Irish Parade. The district said it had for many years held the race on the same day as the village parade but the race that year was rescheduled. The Park District also said it had to find other sources of fuel for district vehicles and de-icing salt for Park District properties after Tinley Park cut off long-standing supply agreements for both products. Park Board members, in a letter early in 2023 to village officials, said 'it is simply not feasible to work with you on any event when the village is engaged in this kind of behavior.' The district, in its letter, said the obstacles that had been thrown up were 'retaliation and punishment' for the district.
