Efforts to Save Laurie Park Continue

Grand Lake (D2N) – Representatives from the group “Friends Of Laurie Park” met with staff from The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) last week, to discuss a new concept for the park. The original plans proposed for the redevelopment of Laurie Park sparked controversy among residents.

Local citizens banned together upon hearing the news that they would not be able to use the park once the redevelopment began; they formed a group “Friends Of Laurie Park”, to lead the effort to preserve the use of Laurie for local visitors – Save Laurie Park.   There seems to be a bit of confusion between what Mr. John MacDonell – Minister of Natural Resources – said in an email to a member of the group, and what member of the Friends of Laurie Park group say they were told regarding the future use of Laurie Park. After meeting with the DNR this week, the group said although a solution is near, there is still a ways to go as far as developing a plan that is acceptable and works to accommodate the needs of all users – walker’s, camper’s, and picnicker’s alike.

According to the group of residents, the latest plans will leave the shoreline and rocks unchanged, but there is still disagreement on the term “unrestricted access”. The group says the current concept shows that the portions of the park known as the “boat launch” area and the upper parking area, will no longer be available to vehicles. The current concept shows parking near the park entrance. The group says this would mean, for example that users would no longer be able to drive up to the water’s edge to launch a kayak or canoe, and the walk to the water for swimming or picnicking will be much longer. There is an area that Natural Resources designates as “day use” that would contain picnic areas that users can drive up to. This area does not have a water view or access – it is located in the far area near the train tracks.

This news conflicts somewhat with the information provided last week. The MLA for Waverley – Fall River – Beaver Bank, Percy Paris, has been very vocal about the importance of maintaining day-use and water access for local residents who visit the park. In an interview with District 2 News last week, the NDP Minister said he had spoken with the Minister of Natural Resources, John MacDonell, and was confident the matter would be handled in such a way as to accommodate the needs of day-use visitors as well as campers. In his interview, Paris said he and Mr. MacDonell, were in agreement that the needs of seniors, people with walking difficulties, as well as the needs of mom’s with small children, must be included in the new redevelopment plans for the park as those plans were being reconsidered. However, according to members of the “Friends Of Laurie Park” group, that is not exactly what has happened.

The Save Laurie Park group sent out the following highlights of the recent meeting between themselves and the DNR:

• The rocks and waterline will not be changed.
• The newest concept does not allow vehicle traffic near the water. Natural Resources defines “unrestricted access” to include foot traffic only.
• Current concept does not allow for vehicle access up to the waters edge to launch kayaks or canoes.
• Users will have to walk in from an area near the park entrance.
- Small portion of the park will be designated for “day use” which Natural Resources defines as allowing for picnic tables and vehicle parking next to picnic tables.
• The camping area will have some expansion and upgrades that include flush toilets and showers.
• Pit toilets will still exist throughout the park.
• Paved roadways will have some upgrades that include widening to 15 feet inclusive of shoulders.

The “Friends Of Laurie Park” said they are waiting to hear if and when, a public meeting will be held. They will let the public know when that meeting will take place as soon as they hear from the DNR on a date.

Watch for important updates and conversations with the Dept. of Natural Resources and the Minister when they become available.

Liz Curren, one member of the Friends of Laurie Park group, received the following letter from the Minister of Natural Resources on Feb. 2:

“I am responding to your email on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter concerning your comments on the future of Laurie Provincial Park.

The department is pleased with the level of interest and community engagement on the proposed park redevelopment.  As Minister, I have directed staff to review comments such as yours and determine what accommodations are possible so that day use access is provided during the camping season, knowing that off-season access is unchanged.

The department remains committed to the redevelopment of the park and improving the camping experience, however, it will not be accomplished by cutting off day use opportunities.

In the next few days, staff will meet with the Friends of Laurie Park to address their concerns and will then meet with the community shortly thereafter.

I would like to note that to allow the construction work to proceed, and to ensure safety of the public and the workers, the park will be closed for the 2010 camping season with restrictions placed on access by all users.  The department will ensure that the contractor(s) provide adequate notice as to when the restrictions will be in place.”

Yours truly,
Original signed by
John MacDonell
Minister of Natural Resources