COUNCIO Oate:..- - ---- Meeting... ----- Copies... 'illi---- INSTRUCTIONS <n... - THE CORPORATION OF THE - - - - --- DISTRICT OF WEST VANCOUVER PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 1986
REPORT PAGE Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Chairman's Report...... 2 Parks and Recreation Department...................... 5 Parks Report...,..,...,... 7 Gleneagles Golf Course & Ambleside Pitch & Putt............. 9 Sport Groups...,...,... 10 Conununi ty Day.................,.,...... 11 Recreation Centre...,...,...,...,..., 12 Eagle Harbour Community Centre....................... 13 Neighbourhood Program...,...,,..,,,...,.14 Seniors' Activity Centre.,...,,..,...,,.,,..,... 15 Aquatic Centre...,.,...,...,...,...,... 17 Ice Arena...,...,...,...,...,...,. 18 Parks and Recreation Staff....................... 20 1.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION 1986 Chairman' s Report COMMISSION MEMBERS Chairman Vice Chairman Members Alderman School Trustee Staff Bill Jackson Barrie Sutton Peter Bagshaw, Merla Beckerman Rod Day, John Hutton, Anne Titcomb Diana Hutchinson Hugh Stark Frank Kurucz, Director of Parks and Recreation Bob Kusch, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Wilma Nett, Secretary West Vancouver's image is enhanced by positive conununity involvement. The members of your Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission believe in taking a leadership role in community affairs. Through active participation and in co-operation with the dedicated and efficient Parks and Recreation Staff, Mayor Humphreys and members of Council, we have completed another busy year as members of a volunteer advisory group. Appointed to chair the following committees were: Budget Review Grants Review Hollyburn Ridge Sub Committee Commissioner Hutton Commissioner Bagshaw Commissioner Jackson Commissioner Day continued to represent us on the Advisory Planning Commission and Commissioner's Hutton and Titcomb on the Community Arts Council. Commissioner Beckerman chaired the Site Selection Committee for a West Vancouver Community Arts Centre and was also our representative on the Community Day Committee. 2.
The Commission studied at length the revised Ambleside-By-The-Sea Plan Proposals as requested by Council. They re-submitted their positive response to this exciting development recommending this be a public oriented recreational project with a minimwn commercial development required to serve the interests of the users of this desirable beach front area. Some other items referred to the Commission for study and advice were: 1. 2 0 3 0 4. The Horseshoe Bay Revitalization Plan as it affects the waterfront and park area. Sewell's Marina Mariculture proposal. The Benbow and Leyland Park improvement recommendations by staff. Regulations pertaining to foreshore buoys, swimming floats, marine railways and private docks and piers. 5. 6. 7 0 Rezoning and development variance permit application at Garrow Bay concerning park dedication. Proposed changes to the municipal boundaries and acquisition of additional properties by the G. V. R.D. to enlarge and improve the Capilano Canyon Regional Park. The concerns of certain residents living adjacent to the Class I Woodward Park respecting view curtailment. This park contains similar tree standings to Lighthouse Park. Following an open citizens meeting in the Municipal Council Chambers with Commissioner's Jackson and Day, supported by the Director and Assistant Director Messrs. Kurucz and Kusch, a recommendation was made to Council to tidy up the park floor, the pathways and bridges, eliminate the deadwood and perform some lower limbing, leaving this spectacular stand of tall trees in place. The P.A. Woodward Foundation, Mr. P.A. Woodward being the original donor of the land for park purposes in 1949, agreed with Commissions' recommendations and Mr. Kurucz negotiated a substantial donation of money to the Municipality from the P. A. Woodward Foundation for the clean up. The above are only a few of the items passed to the Commission for their advice but are representative of the Commissions' work this past year. 3'
All Commission members participated in the newly refurbished Aquatic Centre Opening Day Ceremony and wish to congratulate the staff on its' efficient operation as well as Ralph Ferstay and all recreational staff on their continued good work in the recreational area. The open, honest communication between the Commission, the professional staff direct to Council, provided an effective, positive and productive work environment during 1986. We are indebted to Frank Kurucz and his staff, to Mayor Humphreys and the Municipal Council for their trust in us. Your Commission and Parks and Recreation Staff are a partnership of people dedicated to the happiness, growth and well being of the people of West Vancouver. We treasure our heritage and national resources and we will preserve and protect priceless open spaces for the children of the future. In closing I wish to thank my fellow Commissioners for their responsible dedication to the Commission during 1986. Bill Jackson Chairman 4.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Frank Kurucz, Director of Parks and Recreation 1986 was another busy and successful year for the Parks and Recreation Department. With support of Municipal Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, the staff have been involved in many activities during the year with different community organizations and provided many interesting and new programs in the Community. In the Parks Department emphasis was on beautification. The continuation of the hanging baskets in the business district of Ambleside and planters on the Seawall and Dundarave Pier, have proven to be a very successful highlight within the Community. The most exciting project for the Department was the completion of the Horseshoe Bay Re-vitalization which included the upgrading of Horseshoe Bay Park. This Park is now a major focal point for the improved atmosphere of Horseshoe Bay. As well the Ambleside By The Sea Proposal, which designates the area of Argyle Avenue from 13th Street to 18th Street as a Waterfront Park, is continuing to progress through the stages for future park development. The major feature of this project, the foot of 14th Street, has now been cleared with the removal of the bus depot and will be ready for use in the near future. The Parks and Recreation Department is continuing the administration of the foreshore under the foreshore head lease which was acquired from the Provincial Government in 1984 and have legalized most foreshore encroachments which exist along the waterfront. Special events played a key role in the provision of activities for the citizens of West Vancouver. As in past years the highlight of the year was Community Day. The event drew more than 8 000 residents of our Community to the recreation site to take part in the activities. Field use by sport groups in West Vancouver continues to grow steadily. Overall, over 150 soccer teams, 165 softball teams, 20 baseball teams, 25 field hockey teams, 8 rugby teams and 4 football teams utilized our fields in 1986. 5.
The recreation programs offered at our recreation facilities, the Recreation Centre, Eagle Harbour Community Centre, Aquatic Centre, Seniors Centre and Ice Arena, met with great success again in 1986, and continued to prove to be some of the heaviest used recreation facilities in the Province. New additions to our recreation tacili ties in 1986 included the addition of a whirlpool and sauna and expansion of the weight room at the Aquatic Centre and the enclosure of the lobby at the Ice Arena. These two new additions greatly enhance our already high quality facilities. Another major feature during 1986 was the designation of the Recreation Centre site for the future construction of a Community Arts Centre. This facility, if approved, will finally meet the needs of the arts community within West Vancouver and become another excellent feature of the overall Parks and Recreation Department Facilities. 6'
PARKS Don Campbell, Parks Superintendent The West Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department continues to carry out the high standard of park facilities within the Community. This endeavor includes the constant upgrading of facilities and planning and developing new facilities to accommodate the needs of the individual neighbourhoods and sport organizations of the community. Like most year 1986 was a very active year for the maintaining and beautification of our park system. Under beautification programs the Parks Department undertook the selective clearing and landscaping at Chartwell, Benbow and Leyland Parks along with the clearing and seeding of Westhill Park. As well, the Department increased the number of hanging baskets along Marine Drive from Park Royal to 25th Street to beautify this area. However, the major project for park beautification in West Vancouver during 1986, was the Horseshoe Bay Revitalization Program which included a dramatic upgrading of Horseshoe Bay Park and the Horseshoe Bay Washroom Facilities. This revitalization project has allowed for the new square and fountain to become the focal point of Horseshoe Bay. A beautiful addition to the West Vancouver Parks System. Parks Staff took part in a number of forest fire training sessions and mock exercises. This was done with the co-operation of the West Vancouver Fire Department and the British Columbia Forest Service. One major fire was successfully extinguished by our Parks Staff in co-operation with the other services to the north of Horseshoe Bay above Pasco Road. The previous training and exercises proved their worth as all organizations worked very co-operatively to the extinguish this blaze. The West Vancouver beach system took a beating during 1986 and 5, 000 cubic yards of sand required replacement at Ambleside Beach. A study was undertaken by the Municipality to find solutions for the stabilization of Ambleside Beach and hopefully this plan will be implemented in 1987 or 1988. 7.
Lighthouse Park finally acquired proper water service for the easterly area of the Park to allow for proper water supply in case of fire. Other projects undertaken by the Department during 1986 included installation of a fire alarm system in Gleneagles Clubhouse; beach log cleanups at Ambles ide, John Lawson and Dundarave Beaches: and the landscaping and installation of playground equipment at Cypress Trails Park. 8.
GLENEAGLES GOLF COURSE AND AMBLESIDE PITCH AND PUTT Ron Fitch, Golf Professional Gleneagles Golf Course experienced a fine year in spite of an extremely wet spring. The playing condition of the course was excellent and both local players and Expo visitors were full of praise continually. There is not very seldom any particular highlights other than increased line-ups for play during the season which are becoming more extensive every year. As long as the virtual capacity situation remains, we will be very happy to continue without any real highlights. There is no reason to believe that 1987 will vary to any degree providing our weather pattern is reasonably normal. The number of rounds played reached more than 60, 000. This was mainly due to better than average weather during November and December. Gleneaqles Golf Course 1985 1986 '\, +1- Attendance 58,820 61, 754 Ambleside Pitch and Putt Attendance 14, 583 12,706-13% 9.
SPORT GROUPS Bob Kusch, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Communication and co-operation between the Parks and Recreation Department and the various sport groups within the Municipality continued its strong growth and development during 1986. An excellent example of the fine co-operation received by the department was the preservation of the fields in West Vancouver during a very wet year. The sport organizations took it upon themselves to cancel or delay play on certain facilities which saved these facilities from requiring large and expensive renovations during the off season. This co-operation saved the Municipality considerable maintenance dollars during 1986. OveralL over 150 soccer teams, 65 softball teams, 20 baseball teams, 25 field hockey teams, 8 rugby teams, 4 football teams and a cricket club utilized the fields during 1986. In addition, 1986 was another successful year for the various clubs utilizing our recreation facilities. The West Vancouver Otters Swim Club, the Novas Synchro Swim Club, the West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association and a variety of other sporting organizations utilizing our facilities and maintained an excellent co-operative relationship with the department. 10.
COMMUNITY DAY Ralph Ferstay, Recreation Superintendent Community Day 1986 was an overwhelming success. The estimated 10,000 or more people who attended the event were well looked after in terms of entertainment and concession services. Again the creative nature of the committee came forth in the them "Wheels 'N Things." This theme tied in nicely with Expo '86 and resulted in a plethora of winged and wheeled entries in the parade. The parade was one of the longest with 72 entries and 7 bands participating. The Committee focused on enhancing the entertainment section of the event which was very successfully co-ordinated by Maureen Whiteley. Keith Carpenter chaired the Committee for the third year. His experience and knowledge of the community resulted in the incredible participation this event is known for. The uniqueness of West Vancouver's Corrununity Day is its "down home" atmosphere. Based on the old style country fair, it includes local artisans, service groups and a tremendous volunteer involvement to create the atmosphere. By emphasizing the non-comrnerical aspect of the event, the Committee has ensured the local val unteer participation that is the envy of the lower mainland. Keith Carpenter Gioia Gregory Maureen Whiteley Betty Pope Sue Gardner Fred Titcomb Ruth Brodie Merla Beckerman Alice Jennings Leslie Alm Val Marshall Ralph J. Ferstay Chairman Parade Marshall Entertainment Arts and Crafts Concessions Seniors Schools Liaison P. R.A.C. Children's Fun Sports Decorations Parks and Rec. Advisor 11.
RECREATION CENTRE Colin Campbell Recreation Superintendent A variety of opportunities for all segments of the community continue to be available through the Recreation Centre. The major elements of use in the facility by category include: Fitness Classes ( 2, 594 registered), Playcare Services ( 669 registered), General Programs (3, 497 registered), Gymnastics Courses (1, 516 registered), Special Events (19,865 attended), Workshops (288 registered), Term Rentals (264), and Casual Rentals (132 dates). The program staff consistently offer approximately a 10 increase in new and innovative programs each term. Special events are in integral part of the activities available at the Recreation Centre. The "Dance Into Christmas Concert" attended by an audience of 600, the "Christmas Craft Fair" which attracts 5,00 shoppers and generates fund raising revenue, the "Half Marathon" which has 590 registered runners, and the "Fitness Fashion Show" where 300 people enjoyed themselves are four of our larger and most popular annual events. Expo '86 had a noticeable effect on participation at the Recreation Centre this year in the areas of fitness rentals and playcare participation was down from 1985. Other program areas seemed to hold their own with the Gymnastics Program being particularly strong again this year. Capital improvements were made to the facility to conform to local fire safety standards. These improvements include fire separation doors in the halls and a sprinkler system in the crawl space basement. The Cypress Room roof was replaced as part of the ongoing maintenance and facility upgrade program. 1985 1986 Attendance 155, 115 152,001-2'b 12.
EAGLE HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTRE Adrienne Hebert - Facility Supervisor Eagle Harbour Conununi ty Centre has seen an inspiring increase in use since its inception in September of 1984. Participation in all aspects of program, rental and community use more than doubled the previous year's figures in 1986. The addition of the Weight Room in September of 1985 and a full year's use by fitness conscious participants account for over 5, 000 additional patrons. Increased awareness by community groups in the form of rentals again accounted for an increase of over 2,000 people. By far the largest increase came as a result of increased programs for pre-schoolers to adults. In 1985 there 119 total programs offered. to 184 for an additional 65 programs. In 1986 this number increased Special events such as Christmas Family Songfest, Expo Boat Cruise and the Valentine's Pub Night and Dance also contribute to the community awareness and attraction to Eagle Harbour Community Centre. The additions to our staff of a part-time office staff and program assistant, has allowed us to remain open in the office for an additional 10 hours per week and to increase our program output. As well the Centre has been able to select from the community an additional 500 hours of volunteer work in the office and for preparation of Special Events. Improvements to the Centre include a Read-0-Graph Sign which improves our ability to advertise our events; a new lino floor in the Playcare Room; and additional equipment for the Weight Room. 1985 1986 Attendance 17,598 36, 814 + 109'\o 13.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PROGRAMS Colin Campbell, Recreation Superintendent The Neighbourhood Program has continued to concentrate its programming in the Spring and Summer months. Effective 1986 December and due to declining enrollment, the Neighbourhood Program no longer offers fitness at Caulfeild School. The kindergyrn program at Chartwell School remains as the only Fall and Winter program offered outside of the Recreation Centre or Eagle Harbour Community Centre. Presently there are.5 permanent employees (.25 superintendent plus.25 program co-ordinator) who are assigned to the Neighbourhood Program. The major programs in the Spring and Summer continue to be the Slo Pitch Softball ( 136 teams), Tennis ( 461 registered), Concerts By The Sea ( 17 performances) and Playground Programs (970 registered). There are no facilities operated under the Neighbourhood budget and as such no capital expenditures or equipment acquisitions. One of the major benefits to the community of the neighbourhood program is as a source of summer employment and training for local students. In 1986 there were 20 students hired and an additional 40 volunteers gained some work related experience and participated in department training events. 1985 1986 '\, +I- Attendance 23, 112 26, 117 + 13'\, 14.
SENIORS' ACTIVITY CENTRE Lynda Lyons, Senior Centre Director With the growth of the older population in West Vancouver, we are seeing a noticeable increase of older people using the Seniors' Centre. This relates directly to the acceptance of the program within the community, the referrals made from members to friends and professionals to clients and finally the visual beauty and friendly atmosphere, bring interested people of all ages to our doors. Statistically, we had a 5% increase in membership, however, our annual attendance decreased from 1985. There were two factors involved in this decrease, one being a change from "averaging" attendances; to actually computing them monthly; and the other factor was a significant drop in attendance during the Expo 86 Celebration. People registered for programs but did not regularly attend during this five month period. Financially, the Senior Centre recovered approximately 41% of its operating costs in 1986 with a significant increase in fund raising revenue. Income sources continue to come from membership fees, program fees, personal donations, and annual fund raising events. One of our fund raising highlights separate from the operating budget was the project to fund raise for a new van. Some of the program highlights in 1986, were increased variety in workshops, numerous trips to Expo and a Talent Show Extraordinaire! We also celebrated Sheila Jones' retirement {former Centre Director) and the Centre's 5th year in operation. We ended the year with a change in the location of the Annual Christmas Lights Party, which proved to be very successful. Sunday opening has grown in popularity duet to word of mouth.. leaflet promotion and added programs. The Seniors' Centre provides a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where people of all ages are welcomed by other senior volunteers and staff. Sunday provides a good opportunity for younger adults to introduce their parents to the centre. 15.
Volunteers continue to be involved at every level of the Centre's operation. People are involved in office assistance, computer programming, program instruction, food preparation, volunteer driving, and committee work in many different areas of the operation. Senior members have received funding from New Horizons Grants (federal) for a C.P. R. Resuscitation Doll and instruction cost, Wellness Workshop instructors and safety features for the proposed van. 1985 1986 % +1- Membership 2' 545 2,615 + 2.75'1. Attendance 64,334 60,125-6.54'1. Active Volunteers 255 356 +28 Volunteer Hours Worked 23,153 23,393 + 1 16.
AQUATIC CENTRE Joan Hall - Aquatic Supervisor 1986 was an exciting year for the Aquatic Centre. From January to July the building was undergoing a complete renovation. The new facilities include a deluxe whirlpool that comfortably seats 24 people, a wet/dry sauna, expanded weight room with air conditioning system, an enlarged viewing area, and a newly located off ice. The building remained open during the construction which pleased the public greatly. The official opening of the new facilities was Community Day, the renovations were not completed until 1987 July 17. although The innovative design of the additional facilities give the Centre a unified modern experience. Since July there has significant increase in the number of people using the facilities. Aquatic been a The three programs drawing the largest number of participants were the one lane continuous swim, the Teddy Bear Swim for parents and tots, the Aquatic Fitness Classes. and The Rich Hansen Splash Bash held at the Aquatic Centre on November 29th was a huge success. The staff volunteered their time, $600 was raised for the Man-in-Motion Tour and 120 people spent a very enjoyable evening at the pool. During the past year the staff at the Aquatic Centre have shared in both the excitement and pride in our new facilities. 1985 1986 Attendance 152,738 163,301 + 6'1. 17.
ICE ARENA Ralph Ferstay, Recreation Superintendent In 1986 staff focused on trying to maximize day ice time - predominantly the morning sessions between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The fall season was particularly challenging in trying to increase day time use of the facilities. The fall of 1986 was unseasonally warm during the months of September and October, which drastically affected attendance. In general, the ice arena is experiencing an increase in school rental use. The demand is primarily coming from the preschool areas for children three to five years of age. Children's lessons reached a three year high with a total of 450 children and adults registered in the winter season. The department is still capitalizing on professional days and special school holidays by providing children's activities that make use of the ice arena as well as the other facilities in the complex. Ice arenas in the lower mainland are still facing a general decline in usage due to the expense in equipping children for hockey and the many other activities that compete for the children's interest. The new lobby renovation was completed in September of 1986. This much needed addition was the highlight of the year with patrons commenting on how comfortable the environment was. The design enhanced the feeling openess of the lobby and is probably the reason for the increase in the lesson program. Parents now can lace up their children's skates and view the activity without freezing. 18.
For 1987 the department is looking at renovating the old skate shop and creating a new concession area. The skate shop will take over the concession area and provide more space for increasing our rental capability as well as to provide a better point of supervision for the building. 1985 1986 +1- Attendance 82,984 77,805 *- 6'\, * Statistical interpretation format changed. 19.
PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF ADMINISTRATION Frank Kurucz, Director of Parks and Recreation Bob Kusch, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Miki Baranszky-Job, Landscape Technician Wilma Nott, Secretary PARKS SUPERVISORY STAFF Don Campbell, Superintendent Parks Operations and Maintenance Gerry Dombrowski, Assistant Superintendent Parks Operation and Maintenance Arnold Derenthal, Supervisor Parks Operation Anthony Lawrence, Supervisor Parks Construction Bob Staddon, Supervisor Ambleside Park Gerhard Diessel, Supervisor Cemetery Kenneth Bradbury, Supervisor Turf Maintenance AQUATIC CENTRE Ralph Ferstay, Recreation Superintendent (Responsible for Aquatic Centre, Ice Arena and Seniors' Activity Centre) Joni Hall, Aquatic Supervisor Deb Laidler, Head Instructor Colin Gray, Head Lifeguard Doreen Page, Cashier/Registration Clerk AI Haering, Maintenance ICE ARENA Fred Whitbread, Engineer/Iceman SENIORS' ACTIVITY CENTRE Lynda Lyons, Seniors' Centre Director Robyn McGuinness, Seniors' Centre Program Co-ordinator Sylvia Chee, Program Assistant Nadine Parrish, Office Assistant Eric Harrod, Maintenance 20.
RECREATION CENTRE Colin Campbell, Recreation Superintendent (Responsible for Recreation Centre and Eagle Harbour Community Centre) Liz Wall, General Program Co-ordinator Wendi Lacusta, Fitness Co-ordinator Penny Erickson, Gymnastics Co-ordinator Jocelyn Graham, Playcare Co-ordinator Tina Mensink, Cashier/Registration Clerk Aud Lyngberg, Cashier/Registration Clerk Yvonne Slater, Clerk Steno Harold Linklater, Maintenance Stewart Montgomery, Maintenance John Behenna, Maintenance EAGLE HARBOUR Adrienne Hebert, Community Centre Supervisor Joyce Mathews, Cashier/Registration Clerk Hugh Potvin, Maintenance Rick Cartwright, Maintenance GOLF Ron Fitch, Golf Professional Ernest George, Course Maintenance Supervisor 21.