Media Room

News Release

Survey Indicates Overwhelming Support for New Recreation Facilities

(Tuesday, March 25/2003)-- Nine out of 10 residents recently surveyed believe that new recreations facilities are needed to serve the western region of the Halifax Regional Municipality, according to results released today.

In addition, 78% of those surveyed believe that a new recreation facility should be built on the Mainland Common in Clayton Park.

During November and December of 2002, HRM conducted a comprehensive survey of a random sample of approximately 1,200 households in the western region. Areas polled included west end Halifax, Fairview, Clayton Park, Rockingham, Beechville, Lakeside, Timberlea, Hammonds Plains, Tantallon, the Prospect area, and the St. Margaret's Bay area.

The survey was designed to determine citizen views on a new community recreation facility slated for the Mainland Common in Clayton Park, near the site of the new Halifax West High School. The survey achieved a response rate of 51% and the results are considered accurate within + or - 4%, 19 times out of 20.

The majority of respondents (85%) agreed or strongly agreed that providing recreational facilities is a good use of taxpayers' money, while only 5% agreed that providing recreational facilities should be left to the private sector.

Ninety (90%) percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that recreation programs for youth help prevent crime and 93% agreed or strongly agreed that recreation facilities and parks improve the quality of life.

• Respondents felt that the most important indoor features of a new recreation facility are (in order), a leisure pool, fitness area, indoor track, gymnasium and ice surface.
• The most important non-recreational features of a new recreation facility are a childcare centre, a large multi-use room, a doctor's office, a physiotherapy clinic and meeting rooms.
• Walking trails and wooded natural areas, ample free parking, sports fields and an outdoor track are the most important outdoor features.

A committee comprised of citizens from the community and chaired by local businessman, Jack Flemming, has been meeting for the past year to spearhead the building of this recreation facility.

Councillor Diana Whalen (District 16- Rockingham/Clayton Park West) and Councillor Russell Walker (District 15- Fairview/Clayton Park) have been active members of the Committee from its beginning.

Councillor Whalen said "The Municipality recognizes the need for a recreation facility in our community. It is essential that the community, the corporate sector and all levels of government, pull together to make this a reality."

Councillor Walker said "Even with government funding, the community will need to raise a lot of money. I am confident we can do it."

A summary of the results of the survey is available on the HRM website at http://www.halifax.ca/SurveyResults_Web.pdf or a hard copy can be obtained by calling 490-4000. Participants in the survey will receive a copy of the summary in the mail within the next two weeks.

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Councillor Diana Whalen
(902) 476-4116

Councillor Russell Walker
(902) 497-7215

Geoff Strople
Project Consultant
(902) 490-6833