Saanich is looking for input on upgrades to Cordova Bay’s McMinn Park. Features like trails, a small pond and cedar forested areas make it a popular place for residents. The park also has existing amenities like a playground, picnic area, and both tennis and basketball courts. The park spans more than 6 hectares and once belonged to the McMinn Family.

Saanich Parks will be upgrading aging and obsolete park structures including drainage, playground equipment, and park amenities. We are also exploring the potential to construct a permanent washroom building, and expand the park’s recreational program - particularly for youth.

Residents are invited to join us at an open house on February 21 where we are presenting design concepts and asking questions to further refine existing feedback.

We held a public workshop on November 22, 2016 to help determine the community’s wishes for the park. Children and youth were specifically engaged at a number of schools including Lochside and Cordova Bay Elementary Schools, Royal Oak Middle School and Claremont High School.

Initial feedback indicates strong support for improving drainage and mowing frequency of grassed areas, a dedicated pickleball court, full-sized sport court, and a permanent washroom building.

Other ideas that received a significant amount of support include adding a moderate sized pump-track area for off-trail biking, and having soccer nets/football goals and/or a baseball backstop available in the south field. These ideas helped shape the current concept designs.

Residents are also invited to take our online survey, running from February 21 – March 7, 2017.

We will use open house feedback and survey results to help determine the final plan for the park.

Construction is slated to begin in June and be completed in late fall.  

Open house details

• February 21, 2017
• Lochside Elementary School - 1145 Royal Oak Drive
• Drop in anytime from 4 to 8 p.m.