(Tuesday, March 23, 2004)-- A special, two-day opening of Point Pleasant Park will be held on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28 to give the public an opportunity to view the ongoing clean-up of the Park. Point Pleasant was the hardest hit of HRM's parks when Hurricane Juan struck in late September, 2003. As many as 70% of the Park's trees were downed or badly damaged by the storm.
"We are working towards reopening the Park in early June. This temporary opening will allow the community to see the work that has been done to date and get an idea of what the Park will look like when it officially reopens," Peter Bigelow, HRM's Manager of Real Property Planning said.
The Park will be open from 8 am to 3 pm both days. During the opening, people will be able to access the Park from gates located at the Tower Road parking lot and by the lower parking lot at the end of Point Pleasant Drive. These entrances are for pedestrians only and parking will not be available at either of the Park's two lots.
Inside the Park, visitors will be restricted to the main roads only. For safety purposes, all trails and off road areas will be off limits as clean up work is not yet complete. In addition, for the safety of pets and humans alike, dogs will not be permitted in the park during this temporary opening. Bicycles will also not be permitted in the Park for these two days.
As a large number of visitors are anticipated, temporary parking and traffic restrictions may be in place on the street bordering the park. Visitors to the Park are asked to cooperate with any temporary restrictions to ensure a safe flow of traffic and pedestrians.
"In the next month the planning process for the long term restoration of Point Pleasant will be launched. Public consultation will be a part of this process. This opening lets residents get an idea of the challenges ahead before we go out and seek public input," Mr. Bigelow said.
In addition to viewing the Park, residents will have the opportunity to donate to the restoration of Point Pleasant. The Stone Lodge, on Point Pleasant Drive at the end of Young Ave., will be staffed to accept donations of cash, cheques, debit card transfers and credit card donations.
All donations will be held in trust for the soon to be established Point Pleasant Park Foundation. The Foundation's money will be directed exclusively to the ongoing restoration of Point Pleasant Park. All donations of $10 or greater are eligible for a receipt for income tax purposes. Since Hurricane Juan hit, unsolicited donations of more than $385,000 have been received.
- 30 -
For more information
Peter Bigelow
Manager of Real Property Planning
490-6047
John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
490-6531
